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UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA   MM.HBC 


3  1822  00160  6979 


THE  UNiYEHSTY  LIBRARY 

UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA,  SAN  DIEGO 

LA  JOLLA,  CALIFORNIA 


LIFE 


ELIZABETH  FEY. 


LIFE 


ELIZABETH  FRY. 


COMPILED  FROM  HER  JOURNAL, 


AS  EDITED  BY   HER  DAUGHTERS, 


AND  FROM  VARIOUS  OTHER  SOURCES. 


BY 

SUSANNA    CORDER 


PHILADELPHIA: 

HENRY  LONGSTRETH,  347  MARKET  STREET. 
1853. 


Stereotyped  by  SLOTS  <k  MOONET,  Philadelphia. 


nf  ate* 


THE  "  Memoir  of  Elizabeth  Fry,"  in  two  Volumes,  edited  by 
her  daughters,  has  been  extensively  circulated  in  this  and  other 
lands ;  and  rarely  has  any  religious  biography  been  perused  with 
so  general  and  so  deep  an  interest.  More  brief  notices  of  her  life 
have  also  emanated  from  other  pens :  and  it  might  seem  superflu- 
ous again  to  depict  her  character,  or  to  rehearse  the  circumstances 
which  marked  those  arduous  labours,  in  the  service  of  Him  who 
"went  about  doing  good,"  to  which,  under  the  constraining  influ- 
ence of  his  love  and  power,  she  devoted  every  talent  committed  to 
her  stewardship. 

There  are,  however,  many  by  whom  a  memorial  of  Elizabeth 
Fry,  more  compendious  than  that  which  has  been  published  by  her 
daughters,  would,  perhaps,  be  welcomed  with  pleasure  and  read 
with  instruction.  A  work  which  might  embrace  more  exclusively 
the  records  of  her  own  experience,  and  of  her  religious  and  philan- 
thropic engagements,  appears,  in  the  estimation  of  some  of  her  most 
intimate  friends,  to  be  required,  as  filling  up  a  chasm  still  left  in 
the  circle  of  readers,  to  whom  the  voluminous  "  Memoir  "  may  not 
be  conveniently  accessible. 

To  venture  on  such  an  abridgment  has  not  been  contemplated 
without  a  serious  conviction  of  the  delicacy  and  importance  of  the 
task;  and  had  not  a  special  request  from  her  daughters,  (the  Edi- 
tors of  her  life,)  in  conjunction  with  other  members  of  her  imme- 
diate family,  encouraged  the  Compiler  of  the  following  pages  to 
undertake  the  work,  it  would  not  have  boon  attempted. 


VI  PREFACE. 

But  various  considerations  have  additionally  stimulated  the 
Compiler  to  add  another  to  the  several  sketches  of  the  Life  of  Eliz- 
abeth Fry.  A  prominent  one  is  suggested  by  the  fact,  that  her 
character  and  sentiments  have  been  represented  by  individuals, 
widely  differing  in  religious  opinion,  both  from  her  and  from  each 
other ;  and  they  have  (in  consequence  of  the  varying  mental  com- 
plexion to  which  habit  and  circumstances  impart  a  colouring  pecu- 
liar to  each)  given,  to  their  picture  of  Elizabeth  Fry,  a  tinge  which 
has  prevented  her  from  appearing,  as  she  was,  consistent  in  her 
language,  her  conduct,  and  demeanour,  with  the  principles  which, 
from  conviction,  she  was  early  led  to  adopt,  and  to  which,  through 
life,  she  steadfastly  adhered.  This,  it  must  be  confessed,  is  calcu- 
lated to  induce  the  impression  that,  in  Elizabeth  Fry's  life,  there 
was  evinced  a  compromise  of  principle ;  and  it  proves  that  whilst 
her  ardent  admirers  exhibit  a  dazzling  portrait  of  her  piety,  her 
loveliness,  and  her  phiknthropy,  they  fail,  in  degree  at  least,  to 
depict  her  in  the  light  of  truth — in  her  meek  and  lowly  garb  of 
deep  humility,  treading  with  watchful  circumspection  and  fear,  the 
cross-bearing  path  of  the  blessed  Redeemer. 

Drawn  by  the  attractions  of  heavenly  love,  her  steps  were  di- 
rected into  a  course  untried  and  new ;  and  the  service  that  was 
designed  for  her  became  gradually  manifest,  as  she  followed,  in 
simple  faith,  the  guiding  light  of  the  Holy  Spirit :  and  whether  it 
led  her  into  the  presence  of  monarchs,  into  association  with  princes, 
or  into  the  company  of  the  wise  and  learned, — whether  she  was 
brought  into  communion  with  fellow-disciples  who,  whatever  might 
be  the  form  of  their  Christian  profession,  were  pursuing  with  her 
the  same  heaven-ward  track,  or  surrounded  by  the  votaries  of  a 
thoughtless  world  incapable  of  responding  to  the  deep  sympathies 
of  her  spirit,  in  all  situations,  and  under  every  circumstance,  sho 
was  enabled  to  maintain,  with  holy  consistency,  the  dignified  char- 
acter of  her  high  vocation,  as  a  minister  of  Christ  in  the  Society  of 
Friends;  adorning  the  doctrine  of  God  her  Saviour;  being  an 


PREFACE.  VII 

example  to  the  believers  in  faith,  in  patience,  in  meekness,  and 
charity;  raising  in  the  hearts  of  thousands,  among  the  varied  clas- 
ses of  the  people,  a  reverent  acknowledgment  of  that  divine  influ- 
ence, which  constrained  her  to  gather  immortal  spirits  to  the  Foun- 
tain of  life  and  peace.  Yet  how  few,  among  the  many  who  have 
extolled  her  deeds  of  mercy  and  love,  were  prepared  to  penetrate 
the  veil  that  concealed,  from  the  gaze  of  the  world,  the  working  of 
that  heavenly  power,  through  which  alone  she  became  instrumental 
in  directing  a  resistless  moral  force  against  the  dominion  of  sin 
and  misery,  which  strengthened  her  spirit  for  the  arduous  combat, 
and  armed  her  with  those  weapons  that  are  "  mighty  through  God, 
to  the  pulling  down  of"  the  "strong  holds"  in  which  Satan  retains 
his  government  in  the  souls  of  the  children  of  men. 

To  trace  the  operation  of  this  invisible  power — the  mainspring 
of  the  wonderful  machinery  that  became  so  effective  in  the  coun- 
teraction of  evil — will,  to  the  spiritually-minded  Christian,  be  the 
most  instructive,  and  possibly  the  most  interesting  object  that  can 
result  from  a  perusal  of  this  Volume.  For  to  the  soul  that  is  anx- 
iously seeking  deliverance  from  the  corruptions  inherent  in  our  na- 
ture, as  the  frail  children  of  Adam's  fallen  race,  there  is  no  feature 
of  mental  delineation  more  encouraging  than  that  which  is  pre- 
sented by  a  co-operation  with  "  the  grace  of  God  which  brings 
salvation."  Through  the  regenerating  and  sanctifying  influence  of 
this  grace,  in  the  heart  of  Elizabeth  Fry,  the  prophetic  vision  was 
in  no  small  measure  realised — that  "  instead  of  the  thorn  shall 
come  up  the  fir-tree,  and  instead  of  the  briar  the  myrtle-tree;" 
causing  "the  wilderness"  of  the  human  spirit  to  "become  like 
Eden,"  and  its  "  desert  like  the  garden  of  the  Lord;  joy  and  glad- 
ness "  to  "  be  found  therein,  thanksgiving,  and  the  voice  of  melody." 

May  the  example,  which  this  Volume  exhibits,  of  constant  and 
rigorous  self-examination,  of  fervent  love  to  God,  and  devotedncss 
to  promote  the  establishment  of  His  kingdom  of  righteousness 
and  peace,  animate  survivors  to  a  like  earnest  endeavour  to  attain 


Yin  PREFACE. 

purity  of  heart,  and  to  a  diligent  occupation  with  the  talents  be- 
stowed on  them  :  that  so,  when  "  their  Lord  cometh,  and  reckon- 
ethwith  them,"  they  may  receive  the  sentence  of  "  Well-done." 

A  serious  responsibility  rests  on  every  individual  member  of  the 
Church  of  God,  by  whatever  name  outwardly  distinguished ;  for, 
to  each  has  been  given  the  one,  the  two,  or  the  five  talents ;  by  the 
faithful  dedication  of  which,  according  to  the  direction  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  they  may  be  instrumental  in  accelerating  the  advent  of  that 
most  glorious  era,  when  "  the  kingdoms  of  this  world  "  shall  "  be- 
come the  kingdoms  of  our  Lord,  and  of  his  Christ,  and  He  shall 
reign  for  ever  and  ever." 


Cunt  etit  0. 


CHAPTER  I. 

i 

HOI 

1780-1798.  Birth — Parentage— Her  Mother,  her  character— Memo- 
randa by  her — Removal  to  Earlham — Death  of  her  Mother — 
Recollections  by  Elizabeth  Fry,  of  her  own  early  life — Sketch 
of  female  society — Circumstances  of  Elizabeth  Gurney  and  her 
Bisters — Her  character  and  habits — Natural  qualities  as  a  young 
person — Absence  of  religious  knowledge — Established  principles 
requisite  to  happiness — William  Savery  comes  to  Norwich  on  a 
religious  visit — Effects  of  William  Savory's  preaching — Descrip- 
tion by  himself — Account  by  one  of  her  sisters — Her  own  journal  15 — 36 


CHAPTEE  H. 

1798-1800.  Visit  to  London,  gaiety  there — Return  to  Earlham — 
Becomes  a  decidedly  religious  character — Letter  from  William 
Savery — Gradual  development  of  opinion — Journey  into  Wales 
and  the  South  of  England — Intercourse  with  Friends — Colebrook 
Dale — Increasing  tendency  to  Quakerism — Return  to  Earlham — 
Attention  to  the  Poor — Journey  to  the  North  of  England — 
Becomes  a  decided  Friend — Proposals  of  Marriage  from  Joseph 
Fry— Letters 37—95 


X  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  in. 

ua 

1800-1809.  Marriage — First  visit  to  Plashet — Settlement  in  Lon- 
don— Letter  to  a  Friend — Yearly  Meeting — Birth  of  eldest  child, 
1801 — Journey  into  the  North  of  England — Second  daughter, 
born  1803 — Birth  of  eldest  son,  1804;  illness  and  journey  to 
Bath — Her  second  son,  born  1806 — Death  of  her  mother-in-law 
— Birth  of  her  fifth  child,  1808 — Letter  to  John  Gurney  and  his 
wife— Death  of  the  latter— Death  of  her  father-in-law  96—140 


CHAPTER  IV. 

1809-1813.  Removal  to  Flashet,  enjoyment  of  the  country — Birth 
of  her  sixth  child,  1809 — Summons  into  Norfolk — Death  of  her 
father — Extract  from  the  journal  of  Rachel  Gurney — Commence- 
ment of  her  public  ministry — Funeral  of  her  cousin  Anna  Rey- 
nolds— Letter  to  a  distant  friend — Visit  to  Earlham — Journey 
into  Gloucestershire — Birth  of  her  seventh  child,  1811 — Acknow- 
ledged as  a  minister  by  Friends — Attention  to  the  Poor,  School, 
&c. — Norwich  Bible  Society — Death  of  a  little  niece — Journey 
with  Henry  Hull  and  her  sister,  Priscilla  Gurney — Visit  to  the 
Meetings  of  Friends  in  Norfolk — Extract  from  a  letter  to  her 
cousin,  J.  G.  Bevan — Letter  to  Edward  Edwards — Death  of  a 
domestic  servant — Death  of  Eliza  Shepherd — Birth  of  her  eighth 
child,  1812 — Letter  to  her  cousin,  J.  G.  Bevan — Removal  to 
London  for  the  winter — Religious  visit  to  Friends  of  the  London 
Quarterly  Meeting — For  the  first  time  goes  to  Newgate — State 
of  that  prison 141—200 


CHAPTER  V. 

1813-1818.  Letter  to  Edward  Edwards— Summer  at  Plashet— 
Illness  during  the  spring — Her  ninth  child  born,  1814 — Illness 
and  death  of  her  brother  John  Gurney — Letter  to  her  family — 


CONTENTS.  xi 

PAGX 

Death  of  Joseph  Qurney  Bevan — Illness  of  her  babe — Journey 
into  Norfolk — Earlkam,  party  assembled  there — Visit  to  Kings- 
ton Monthly  Meeting — Death  of  one  of  her  children — Extracts 
from  letters — Attends  Dorsetshire  Quarterly  Meeting — Her  tenth 
child  born,  1816 — Leaves  her  four  elder  children  in  Norfolk — 
Letters  to  her  daughters — Removal  to  London  for  the  winter — 
Attends  the  funeral  of  her  cousin  Joseph  Gurney,  Jun. — Places 
her  two  elder  sons  at  School — Letter  to  her  sister — General  state 
of  Prisons — School  in  Newgate — Case  of  Elizabeth  Fricker — 
Newgate  Association — Description  from  Buxton — Sophia  de 

C 's  Journal — Vote  of  thanks  from  the  City — Letters  from 

Robert  Barclay,  &c. — Notice  in  newspapers — Marriage  of  her 
brother,  Joseph  John  Gurney — Extracts  from  Letters — Exami- 
nations before  House  of  Commons — Capital  Punishments — Case 
of  Skelton — Duke  of  Gloucester  and  Lord  Sidmouth — Queen 
Charlotte's  Visit  to  the  Mansion  House — Letter  to  Countess 
Harcourt  .  .  201—279 


CHAPTER  VI. 

1818-1823.  Engagements  in  the  Prison — Convict  ship — The  Maria 
Visitors  to  Newgate — Letter  from  Lady  Mackintosh — Lord  Lans- 
downe's  speech — Scotch  journey — Letter  from  the  Countess 
Harcourt — Takes  her  sons  to  School — Illness — Journey  in  con- 
sequence— Letter  to  prisoners — Letters  to  her  sons  and  Priscilla 
II.  Gurney — Affliction  in  her  family — Scripture  readings  in  New- 
gate— Female  convicts  in  New  South  Wales — Journey  into  the 
North  of  England — Letters  to  her  daughter,  Walter  Venning, 
&c. — Foreign  Prisons — Death  of  her  sister  Priscilla  Gurney — 
Capital  Punishment — Mackintosh's  Motion— Buxton's  Speech — 
Prison  Discipline  Meeting — Marriage  of  a  daughter — Visit  to 
several  Meetings — Death  of  a  sister-in-law— Letter  to  the  Prin- 
cess Royal  of  Denmark— To  J.  J.  Gurney— Salo  of  prisoners' 
work — Convict  ships — Interesting  visit  to  one  of  them — Letter 

from  the  Duchess  of Attends  Bristol  Quarterly  Meeting, 

&c. — Reflections    .     , 280 364 


Xll  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  VH. 

•Mi 
1824-1829.    Journey  to  Worcester— »  British  Ladies'  Society"— 

Establishment  of  Manor  Hall  Asylum  and  Society  of  Discipline 
at  Chelsea — Brighton — District  Visiting  School  there — Books  for 
Preventive  men,  near  Brighton — Letter  from  Dr.  Steinkopff — 
Dagenham — Visit  to  Brighton — Return  to  Plashet — Death  of  her 
aunt  Gurney— Goes  into  Norfolk — Letter  to  her  family— Mar- 
riage of  her  eldest  son — Autumn  at  Dagenham — Journey  into 
Cornwall  and  Devonshire — Letter  from  Hannah  More — Convict 
ships — Visit  to  Ireland — Illness  at  Waterford — Return  home — 
Illness  and  death  of  Rachel  Gurney — Birth  of  a  grandson — 
Journey  into  Norfolk  and  Derbyshire — Marriage  of  a  daughter 
— Heavy  sorrows — Leaves  Plashet — Winter  in  London — Settle- 
ment at  Upton  Lane 865—420 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

1829-1833.  Summons  to  the  death-bed  of  an  aged  friend — Of  a 
youth — Prepares  her  Text-book — Anecdote — Religious  visit  to 
Norfolk  and  Suffolk — Meeting  of  British  Society — Visit  to  Sussex 
and  Surrey — Death  of  Robert  Barclay — Of  a  grandson  and 
nephew — Death  of  her  uncle  Joseph  Gurney — Goes  to  his  funeral 
at  Norwich — Kent  Quarterly  Meeting — Interview  with  the  Duch- 
ess of  Kent  and  Princess  Victoria — Yearly  Meeting — Interview 
with  Queen  Adelaide — Convict  ship — Dagenham — Public  Meet- 
ings— Journey  to  Isle  of  Wight,  &c. — Events  at  Ilfracombe— 
History  of  Bamuel  Marshall — Death-bed  of  a  converted  Jew — 
Cholera — Yearly  Meeting — Meeting  of  British  Society — Visit  to 
Wales  and  Ireland — Domestic  interest — Sojourn  in  Jersey — Visit 
to  Guernsey,  &c. — Returns  home — Illness  of  one  daughter — 
Letter  to  another  .  • 421—458 


CHAPTER  IX. 

1834-1838.  Visit  to  Dorset  and  Hants— Isle  of  Wight— Journey 
to  Scotland — Death  of  the  Duke  of  Gloucester — Letter — Coast 
Guard  Libraries — Examination  before  the  Committee  of  the  House 


CONTENTS. 


PAGE 


of  Lords — Journey  along  the  Southern  Coast  of  England — 
Crosses  to  Jersey  and  Guernsey — Libraries  for  Packet  Ships  at 
Falmouth — For  Shepherds  at  Salisbury  Plain— Death  of  a  sister- 
in-law — Religious  engagements  in  Sussex — Visit  to  Dublin — 
Unpleasant  Voyage  to  Guernsey — Illness  and  death  of  her  sister 
Louisa  Hoare — Death  of  King  William  IV — Of  a  sister-in-law 
— Departure  of  her  brother  J.  J.  Gurney  for  America — Visits 
Paris — Meeting  in  Westminster — Journey  to  Scotland — Religious 
Engagements  in  Surry,  Essex,  &c. — Renewed  Prospects  of  visit- 
ing France •  459-513 


CHAPTER  X. 

1839-1841.  Journey  on  the  Continent — Paris — Lyons — Nismes — 
Avignon — Toulouse — The  Pyrenees — Grenoble — Geneva — Zurich 
— Frankfort — Return  Home — Goes  into  Norfolk — Letters  to  a 
religious  acquaintance — Audience  of  the  Queen — Meeting  in 
London — Leaves  home  for  the  Continent — Ostend — Brussels — 
Antwerp — Amsterdam — Z  wolle — Minden  and  Pyrmont — Hanover 
— Berlin — Leipzic — Dusseldorf — Return  home — Yearly  Meeting 
—Establishment  of  "  Nursing  Sisters" 514—661 


CHAPTER  XI. 

1841-1843.  Leaves  home  for  the  Continent — Rotterdam — The 
Hague— Amsterdam — Bremen — Hamburg — Copenhagen — Min- 
den and  Pyrmont — Hanover — Berlin — Silesia — Returns  home — 
Lynn — Earlham — Winter  at  home — King  of  Prussia  in  England — 
Autumn  at  Cromer — Fishermen's  Reading — Results  of  Christian 
efforts — Returns  by  West  Norfolk  to  Upton  Lane — Death  of  a 
Grand-daughter — Last  visit  to  France— Female  Prisons  at  Cler- 
mont,  Paris,  &c. — Interviews  with  many  interesting  persons  — 
Returns  home — Meeting  of  "  Ladies'  British  Society  "  .  .  568 — 618 


xiv  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  Xt 

PAOl 

1843-1845.  Attends  the  Quarterly  Meeting  at  Hertford— Illness 
— Sandgate — Tonbridge  Wells — Winter  of  great  suffering — 
Removal  to  Bath — Returns  home — Death  of  her  sister-in-law, 
Elizabeth  Fry — And  of  a  Grandson — Stay  at  Walmer — Death  of 
a  Grand-daughter,  of  her  son  William,  and  another  Grand- 
daughter— Deep  Affliction — Returns  from  Walmer — Death  of  a 
Niece— Some  of  her  children  depart  for  Madeira — Death  of  Sir 
T.F.  Buxton — Visit  to  Norfolk — Earlham — Northrepps — Runcton 
— Yearly  Meeting — "Ladies'  British  Society"  Meeting — Marriage 
of  her  youngest  Son — Removal  to  Ramsgate — Visits  from  suc- 
cessive parties  of  her  family — Sudden  increase  of  illness — Death 
— Funeral — Concluding  Remarks 619-667 


LIFE  OF  ELIZABETH  FRY. 


Cjjaptn 


1780 — 1798.  Birth — Parentage — Her  Mother,  her  character — Memo- 
randa by  her — Removal  to  Earlham — Death  of  her  Mother — Re- 
collections by  Elizabeth  Fry,  of  her  own  early  life — Sketch  of  female 
society — Circumstances  of  Elizabeth  Gurney  and  her  sisters — Her 
character  and  habits — Natural  qualities  as  a  young  person — Ab- 
sence of  religious  knowledge — Established  principles  requisite  to 
happiness — William  Savery  comes  to  Norwich  on  a  religious  visit — 
Effects  of  William  Savery's  preaching — Description  by  himself — Ac- 
count by  one  of  her  sisters — Her  own  journal. 

ELIZABETH  FRY  was  born  in  Norwich  on  the  21st  of  the 
fifth  month,  1780.  She  was  the  third  daughter  of  John 
Gurney,  of  Earlham,  in  the  county  of  Norfolk,  and  Cathe- 
rine, daughter  of  Daniel  Bell,  a  merchant  in  London ;  whose 
wife  Catherine,  daughter  of  David  Barclay,  was  a  descendant 
of  the  ancient  family  of  the  Barclays  of  Ury,  in  Kincardine- 
shire,  and  grand-daughter  of  Robert  Barclay,  the  well-known 
apologist  of  the  Quakers. 

John  Gurney,  of  Earlham,  the  father  of  the  subject  of 
this  memoir,  was  born  in  1749,  and  was  educated  in  the  prin- 
ciples of  the  Society  of  Friends.  As  he  advanced  in  life, 
his  pursuits  led  to  intercourse  with  persons  of  various  deno- 
minations ;  this,  with  a  naturally  social  disposition,  induced 
an  unusual  degree  of  indiscriminate  liberality  of  sentiment 
towards  others.  He  was  a  man  of  ready  talent,  of  bright, 

(15) 


16  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1778. 

discerning  mind,  singularly  warm-hearted,  and  affectionate, 
very  benevolent,  and  in  manners  courteous  and  popular. 

His  marriage  with  Catherine  Bell  took  place  in  1775. 
They  had  twelve  children — one  of  them  died  in  infancy. 
Catherine  Gurney  was  a  person  of  very  superior  mind  ;  and 
in  her  latter  years,  she  became  a  serious  Christian,  and  a 
decided  Friend.  All  her  children  were,  by  nature,  highly 
gifted,  both  with  mental  and  personal  endowments. 

The  usual  residence  of  John  and  Catherine  Gurney  was  in 
Norwich ;  but  the  summer  months  were  spent  at  Bramerton, 
a  .pleasant  village  about  four  miles  distant  from  the  city. 

This  was  a  period  when  talent  was  frequently  allied  to 
scepticism,  and  the  highest  attainments  in  human  learning 
were  too  often  unaccompanied  by  soundness  of  religious  faith. 
Many  persons  doubted ;  even  more  were  indifferent  to  the 
great  truths  of  Christianity ;  and  so  general  was  this  state  of 
things,  that  individuals  of  personal  piety,  who  sincerely  desired 
the  prosperity  of  the  kingdom  of  Christ,  too  little  considered 
the  opinions  entertained  by  others,  and  associated  freely  with 
those  whose  religious  belief  was  essentially  at  variance  with 
their  own.  We  cannot  doubt  that,  to  a  certain  extent,  this 
was  the  case  with  John  and  Catherine  Gurney,  or  that  it  had 
an  injurious  effect  on  their  family,  especially  after  the  de- 
cease of  their  mother ;  who,  in  the  inscrutable  dispensation 
of  an  unerring  Providence,  was  taken  from  them  when  her 
eldest  child  was  seventeen  years  of  age,  her  youngest  only 
an  infant. 

Great  indeed  was  the  loss  which  they  sustained  by  this 
deeply  affecting  event.  The  following  extracts  from  her 
memoranda  denote  the  pious  care  which  she  had  exercised 
in  the  management  of  her  household : — 

"  Bramerton,  1788. — In  the  morning  endeavour,  at  first 
waking,  to  bring  the  mind  into  a  state  of  silent  waiting  and 
worship,  preparatory  to  the  active  employment  of  the  day ; 
when  up,  visit  the  several  apartments  of  the  children,  and, 


1788.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  17 

if  leisure  permit,  before  breakfast  read  the  Scriptures,  if  not, 
it  should  not  be  afterwards  omitted ;  forget  not  the  kindest 
attentions  to  my  dearest  companion  before  parting  for  the 
day.  After  walking  with  the  little  ones,  and  endeavouring 
to  enjoy  each  individually,  begin  with  the  necessary  instruc- 
tions for  Catherine  and  Rachel ;  then  attend  to  the  kitchen 
and  all  family  regulations,  and  to  the  claims  of  the  poor ; 
again  attending  the  nurseries  before  dinner ;  at  which  time 
forget  not  the  excellent  custom  of  grateful,  pious  acknow- 
ledgment for  blessings  bestowed.  The  introduction  of  the 
children  after  this  meal,  generally  affords  my  dear  husband 
and  myself  an  opportunity  of  the  united  enjoyment  of  our 
domestic  comforts.  A  short  afternoon  may  either  be  devoted 
to  the  company  of  my  dear  husband,  or  to  writing  letters, 
reading,  or  instructing  the  children  alternately  ;  particularly 
in  the  knowledge  of  the  Scriptures ;  and  the  few  remaining 
hours  of  the  evening  to  be  devoted  to  the  promotion  of  my 
husband's  enjoyment,  and,  if  possible,  to  blend  instruction 
and  amusement  to  the  elder  children,  who  are  our  constant 
companions  till  the  time  of  rest.  Then,  being  quiet  and  un- 
interrupted with  my  best  friend,  be  not  unmindful  of  the 
religious  duties  of  life ;  which  consideration  may,  I  hope, 
lead  to  that  trust  in  Providence  that  gives  spiritual  tran- 
quillity and  spiritual  support. 

Remember,  that  these  desultory  remarks  are  designed, 
first,  to  promote  my  duty  to  my  Maker — secondly,  my  duty 
towards  my  husband  and  children,  relations,  servants  and 
poor  neighbours." 

In  the  year  1786,  John  and  Catherine  Gurney  had  re- 
moved to  Earlham  Hall,  a  seat  of  the  Bacon  family,  about 
two  miles  from  Norwich  :  the  three  youngest  sons  were  born 
after  their  settlement  there. 

The  following  memoranda  were  subsequently  penned  by 
Catherine  Gurney. 


18  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1788. 

"JEarlham,  1792. — If,  in  conversation,  we  studied  rather  to 
avoid  whatever  may  in  its  nature  be  reprehensible,  than  to 
search  for  approbation  or  admiration,  would  not  associating 
with  our  friends  become  more  innocent,  if  not  more  profitable  ? 
If  our  piety  does  not  appear  adequate  to  supporting  us  in  the 
exigencies  of  life,  and  I  may  add,  death ;  surely  our  hearts 
cannot  be  sufficiently  devoted  to  it.  It  may  be  encouraging 
to  the  poor  traveller  through  life  to  consider,  that  as  he  re- 
cedes from  vice  he  approaches  towards  virtue ;  and  as  he 
despises  the  one,  he  will  become  enamoured  with  the  other. 
Modern  authors  on  religion  and  morality  describe,  perhaps 
very  well,  what  human  nature  ought  to  be,  but  do  they  suffi- 
ciently point  out  the  means  of  becoming  so  ?  Do  they  direct 
the  inquirer  to  the  still  small  voice  within  ? 

Books  of  controversy  on  religion  are  seldom  read  with 
profit,  not  even  those  in  favour  of  our  own  particular 
tenets.  The  mind  stands  less  in  need  of  conviction  than  con- 
version. 

As  our  endeavours  in  education,  as  in  every  other  pursuit, 
should  be  regulated  by  the  ultimate  design,  it  would  be  cer- 
tainly wise,  in  those  engaged  in  the  important  office  of  in- 
structing youth,  to  consider  what  would  render  the  objects 
of  their  care  perfect,  when  men  or  women,  rather  than  what 
will  render  them  pleasing  as  children.  These  reflections  have 
led  me  to  decide  upon  what  I  most  covet  for  my  daughters, 
as  the  result  of  our  daily  pursuits.  As  piety  is  undoubtedly 
the  shortest  and  securest  way  to  all  moral  rectitude,  young 
women  should  be  virtuous  and  good,  on  the  broad  firm  basis 
of  Christianity ;  therefore,  it  is  not  the  opinions  of  any  man 
or  sect  whatever,  that  are  to  be  inculcated  in  preference  to 
those  rigid  but  divine  truths  contained  in  the  New  Testa- 
ment." 

The  following  are  this  tender  mother's  advices  to  her 
children  on  their  first  going  to  a  place  of  worship : — 


1792.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  19 

"  Since  we  know  that  He,  who  gave  us  life,  health  and 
strength  of  body,  has  given  us  an  understanding  mind,  which 
will  show  us  what  is  reasonable  and  right  to  do,  we  ought  to 
consider,  whether  it  is  not  right  to  love  and  obey  that  excel- 
lent Being,  who  has  certainly  placed  us  here  on  earth,  and 
surrounded  us  with  blessings  and  enjoyments,  that  we  may 
become  as  He  would  have  us  :  that  is,  good ;  and  that  we 
should  adore  and  love  Him  at  all  times  ;  but  as  many  things 
happen  to  lead  the  mind  from  this  adoration  and  love  of  God, 
which  is  His  due,  and  our  truest  enjoyment,  it  is  necessary  to 
retire  with  our  friends  and  neighbours  from  hurry  and  busi- 
ness, that  we  may  think  of  Him  who  delights  to  bless  us,  and 
will  consider  us  as  His  children,  if  we  love  Him  as  a  heavenly 
Father.  Do  not,  then,  my  dear  child,  suffer  thy  thoughts  to 
wander,  or  to  dwell  upon  trifles,  when  thou  art  most  immedi- 
ately before  Him,  whom  thou  must  strive  to  love,  with  all 
thy  heart  and  soul." 

The  foregoing  remarks  of  this  judicious  and  pious  mother 
give  a  lively  impression  of  the  greatness  of  the  bereavement 
to  this  large  circle  of  young  persons,  thus  left  destitute  of 
maternal  care. 

In  some  recollections  of  her  early  childhood,  recorded  by 
Elizabeth  Fry  after  arriving  at  mature  age,  are  interesting 
allusions  to  this  beloved  parent. 

"  My  mother  was  most  dear  to  me,  and  the  walks  she  took 
with  me  in  the  old-fashioned  garden,  are  as  fresh  with  me,  as 
if  only  just  passed. 

My  natural  affections  were  very  strong  from  my  early  child- 
hood, at  times  almost  overwhelmingly  so  ;  such  was  the  love 
for  my  mother,  that  the  thought  that  she  might  die  and  leave 
me,  used  to  make  me  weep  after  I  went  to  bed,  and  for  the 
rest  of  the  family,  that  notwithstanding  my  fearful  nature,  my 
childlike  wish  was,  that  two  large  walls  might  crush  us  all 
together,  that  we  might  die  at  once,  and  thus  avoid  the  misery 


20  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1792. 

of  each  other's  death.  I  seldom,  if  I  could  help  it,  left  my 
mother's  side ;  I  watched  her  when  asleep  in  the  day  with 
exquisite  anxiety,  and  used  to  go  gently  to  her  bed-side  to 
listen,  from  the  awful  fear  that  she  did  not  breathe  ;  in  short, 
I  may  truly  say,  it  amounted  to  deep  reverence. 

How  great  is  the  importance  of  a  wise  mother,  directing 
the  tastes  of  her  children  in  very  early  life,  and  judiciously 
influencing  their  affections  !  I  remember  with  pleasure  my 
mother's  beds  for  wild  flowers,  which,  with  delight,  I  used,  as 
a  child,  to  attend  to  with  her ;  it  gave  me  that  pleasure  in 
observing  their  beauties  and  varieties,  that  though  I  never 
have  had  time  to  become  a  botanist,  few  can  imagine,  in 
my  many  journeys,  how  I  have  been  pleased  and  refreshed,  by 
observing  and  enjoying  the  wild  flowers  on  my  way.  Again, 
she  collected  shells,  and  had  a  cabinet,  and  bought  one  for 
Rachel  and  myself,  where  we  placed  our  curiosities ;  and  I 
may  truly  say,  in  the  midst  even  of  deep  trouble,  and  often 
most  weighty  engagements  of  a  religious  and  philanthropic 
nature,  I  have  derived  advantage,  refreshment,  and  pleasure, 
from  my  taste  for  these  things,  making  collections  of  them, 
and  various  natural  curiosities,  although,  as  with  th<s  flowers, 
I  have  not  studied  them  scientifically. 

My  mother,  as  far  as  she  knew,  really  trained  Y<S  up  in  the 
fear  and  love  of  the  Lord  ;  my  deep  impression  is,  that  she 
was  a  holy,  devoted  follower  of  the  Lord  Jesua ;  but  that 
her  understanding  was  not  fully  enlightened  as  to  the  ful- 
ness of  gospel  truth.  She  taught  us  as  far  as  she  knew,  and 
I  now  remember  the  solemn  religious  feelings  I  had,  whilst 
sitting  in  silence  with  her  after  reading  the  Scriptures,  or  a 
Psalm  before  we  went  to  bed.  I  have  no  doubt  that  her 
prayers  were  not  in  vain  in  the  Lord.  She  died  when  I  was 
twelve  years  old ;  the  remembrance  of  her  illness  and  death 
is  sad,  even  to  the  present  day." 

Elizabeth  Fry  entered  life  at  a  period  marked,  in  the  his- 
tory of  Europe,  for  great  and  almost  sudden  changes.  The 


1792.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  21 

French  Revolution  shook  the  surrounding  nations  to  their 
centre,  and  deluged  with  blood  the  land  which  its  originators 
had  hoped  to  render  free  and  happy — a  natural  consequence 
of  the  awful  conflict  between  bigotry  and  tyranny  on  the  one 
hand,  and  infidelity  and  unbridled  licentiousness  on  the  other. 
The  theories,  which  in  France  had  undermined  the  prin- 
ciples of  religion,  and  had  assigned  to  mere  human  reason 
the  homage  due  only  to  the  Almighty  Creator,  had  become 
imbibed  by  many  in  this  country,  particularly  by  some  who 
were  conspicuously  known  as  possessing  superior  natural  and 
acquired  talent.  But  no  circumstance  in  the  aspect  of  that 
remarkable  era,  was  more  striking  than  the  impulse  given 
to  the  education  of  females.  Both  in  France  and  England 
a  number  of  highly  gifted  women  became  known  as  authors 
of  surpassing  endowments.  Previous  to  this  time  the  edu- 
cation of  girls  had  been  much  confined  to  needle-work  and 
domestic  employments,  whilst  those  in  the  higher  classes  of 
society  were  accustomed  to  the  frivolous,  but  fashionable 
amusements  of  the  day — the  mental  powers  of  each  being 
but  little  developed. 

Whilst  genius  and  science  shone  on  some  minds  with  the 
calm  light  of  truth,  they  were  too  generally  reflected  in  the 
glare  of  a  false  philosophy,  which  inculcated  a  most  specious 
scepticism,  and  led  to  an  utter  rejection  of  the  divine  reve- 
lation granted  to  man  through  the  medium  of  the  Bible. 
Norwich  had  not  escaped  the  contagion.  It  was  noted  for 
the  talent  and  unbelief  of  the  society  of  the  town  and  neigh- 
bourhood. The  daughters  of  John  Gurney — especially  the 
three  elder  ones — were  exposed  to  frequent  association  with 
persons  whose  influence  sapped  the  foundation  of  their  reli- 
gious faith.  Left  to  their  own  resources,  unaccustomed, 
since  the  decease  of  their  mother,  to  the  study  of  the  Holy 
Scriptures,  and  with  little  opportunity  of  becoming  correctly 
instructed,  they  were,  for  a  time,  permitted  to  stumble  upon 
the  dark  mountains,  seeking  rest  and  finding  none.  Their 
father's  occupations,  both  public  and  private,  and  his  natu- 


22  LIPEOF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1792. 

rally  trustful  disposition,  prevented  his  perceiving  all  the 
dangers  to  which  they  were  subjected.  They  formed  many 
acquaintances,  and  some  friendships,  with  persons  greatly 
gifted  by  nature,  but  fearfully  tainted  by  the  prevailing  errors 
of  the  day.  Great  pain  and  bitter  disappointment  resulted 
from  these  connections.  To  the  more  dissipating  gaieties  of 
the  world  they  were  but  little  exposed — they  were,  how- 
ever, accustomed  to  indulge  in  many  amusements,  such  as 
dancing,  singing,  &c. — and  none  of  the  party  appears  to 
have  entered  into  them  with  more  zest  than  Elizabeth.  But 
her  pursuit  of  pleasure  was  often  interrupted  by  delicate 
health.  She  was  liable  to  severe  nervous  attacks,  which  fre- 
quently prevented  her  joining  her  sisters  in  their  different 
occupations.  She  was,  in  her  youthful  days,  very  attrac- 
tive :  her  figure  tall,  her  countenance  sweet  and  pleasing, 
and  her  person  and  manners  dignified  and  lovely.  She  was 
gentle  and  quiet  in  temper,  yet  evinced  a  strong  will. 

In  a  letter,  written  before  she  was  three  years  old,  her 
mother  thus  mentions  her  : — "  My  dove-like  Betsy  scarcely 
ever  offends,  and  is,  in  every  sense  of  the  word,  truly  engag- 
ing." The  indisposition  to  which  she  was  subject  caused  her 
no  small  suffering,  and  produced  a  great  degree  of  timidity 
— a  fear  of  being  left  in  the  dark — and  a  languor,  both  of 
body  and  mind,  that  rendered  study  irksome  to  her.  This 
proved  a  serious  disadvantage,  her  education  consequently 
being  defective  and  unfinished.  But  her  mind  was  quick 
and  penetrating,  and  for  depth  and  originality  of  thought  she 
was  remarkable,  even  in  her  early  years.  In  referring  to 
her  childhood,  Elizabeth  Fry  said  she  thought  that  being 
called  stupid  really  tended  to  make  her  so,  and  discouraged 
her  efforts  to  learn.  This  was  a  natural  result. 

But  whatever  might  be  the  effect  of  this  physical  hin- 
drance to  mental  exertion,  it  was  but  temporary ;  her  latent 
vigour  of  intellect  became  powerfully  developed.  She 
doubtless  derived  much  advantage  from  the  watchful  care  of 
her  eldest  sister,  Catherine  Gurney,  who  early  evinced  » 


1793.]  LIFEOF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  23 

thoughtful  mind,  a  good  understanding,  and  a  thirst  for  in- 
struction. She  became  an  excellent  person,  manifesting, 
through  life,  an  advancement  in  Christian  principle;  the 
blessed  results  of  which  shone  brightly  at  its  close. 

Such  were  the  circumstances,  and  such  the  characteristics 
of  Elizabeth  Gurney  and  her  sisters,  after  the  death  of  their 
mother :  and  years  passed  on,  with  few  changes,  but  such  as 
necessarily  came  with  the  lapse  of  time,  and  their  advance  in 
age.  But  He  who  had  purposes  of  mercy  towards  them ;  in 
His  own  way,  was  preparing  for  them  emancipation  from 
their  doubts,  and  light  for  their  darkness.  Wonderful  is  it 
to  mark  how,  by  little  and  little,  through  various  instru- 
ments, through  mental  conflicts,  through  bitter  experiences, 
He  gradually  led  them,  each  one  to  a  knowledge  of  the  truth. 
The  means  by  which  they  first  became  impressed  with  some 
abiding  sense  of  the  inestimable  value  of  divine  revelation, 
was  remarkable.  Among  their  numerous  associates,  was  a 
gentleman  who  now  becanje  acquainted  with  the  Earlham 
family,  of  high  principle,  and  cultivated  mind.  With  him 
the  sisters  formed  a  strong  and  lasting  friendship.  He  ad- 
dressed himself  to  their  understandings,  on  the  grand  doc- 
trines of  Christianity ;  he  referred  them  to  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tures ;  he  lent  them,  and  read  with  them,  books  of  a  serious 
tendency.  He  treated  religion,  as  such,  with  reverence ; 
and  although  himself  a  Roman  Catholic,  he  abstained  from 
every  controversial  topic,  nor  ever  used  his  influence,  directly 
or  indirectly,  in  favour  of  the  peculiar  views  of  his  own 
church.  There  was  another  individual  who  proved  an  im- 
portant instrument,  in  leading  the  sisters  to  sound  views  of 
Christian  truth,  though,  on  their  first  acquaintance,  she  was 
herself  wandering  in  the  wilderness  of  doubt,  if  not  of  error. 
This  was  Marianne  Galton,  afterwards  Schimmelpenninck.* 
Being  a  highly  educated  person,  of  great  mental  power,  and 
accustomed  to  exercise  her  abilities  in  the  use  of  her  reason, 

•Authoress  of  a  Tour  to  Alct  and  tho  Grande  Chartreuse,  &c.,  Ac. 


24  LIFE     OF     ELIZA  BET  II     FRY.  [1793. 

and  in  an  honest  search  after  truth;  she  acquired  considera- 
ble influence  over  them.  As  the  light  of  revelation  opened 
upon  her  own  understanding,  and  her  heart  became  influ- 
enced by  it,  they  shared  in  her  advance,  and  profited  by 
her  experience.  There  were  other  persons  with  whom  they 
associated,  whose  influence  was  desirable,  but  less  powerful, 
than  that  of  the  two  just  mentioned. 

They  appear  also  to  have  derived  advantage  from  the  re- 
ligious visits  of  Friends  to  Earlham.  The  family  of  John 
Gurney  were  in  the  habit  of  frequenting  no  place  of  wor- 
ship, but  that  of  Friends.  The  attendance  of  Elizabeth  was 
frequently  prevented  by  want  of  health,  and  it  is  difficult  to 
know  when  the  habit  of  absenting  herself  might  have  been 
broken  through,  but  for  her  uncle,  Joseph  Gurney,  who 
urged  the  duty  upon  her,  and  encouraged  her  to  make  the 
attempt.  He  had  become  a  decided  Friend,  and  had  much 
influence  with  her,  both  then,  and  during  her  future  life. 
She  was  ready,  indeed,  to  essay  anything,  that  might  tend  to 
satisfy  her  conscience,  or  meet  the  longings  of  her  heart. 
The  principles  so  early  inculcated  by  her  venerated  mother, 
were  rooted  too  deeply  to  be  eradicated,  though  surrounded 
by  influences  unfriendly  to  their  full  unfolding.  She  com- 
menced, at  the  age  of  sixteen,  or  perhaps  earlier,  the  prac- 
tice of  recording  her  feelings  and  sentiments,  by  way  of 
journal.  From  some  of  her  first  entries,  the  following  se- 
lections exhibit  a  powerful  struggle  between  light  and  dark- 
ness, the  cravings  of  her  spirit  for  something  not  yet  at- 
tained, earnest  desires  after  "  virtue  and  truth  ;"  strongly 
contrasted  with  the  misgivings  of  a  mind  beclouded  by  doubts, 
and  "  stumbling"  as  on  "  the  dark  mountains." 

"  I  am,  at  present,  like  a  ship  put  to  sea  without  a  pilot — 
I  feel  my  heart  and  mind  so  overburdened — I  want  some 
one  to  lean  upon."  "My  mind  is  in  so  dark  a  state  that  I 
see  everything  through  a  black  medium."  "I  see  every- 
thing darkly — I  can  comprehend  nothing — I  doubt  upon 
everything." 


1793.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  25 

"  Without  passions  of  any  kind,  how  different  I  should  be  ! 
I  would  not  give  them  up,  but  I  should  like  to  have  them 
under  subjection ;  but  it  appears  to  me  (as  I  feel)  impossible 
to  govern  them ;  my  mind  is  not  strong  enough  ;  as  I  at  times 
think  they  do  no  hurt  to  others.  But  am  I  sure  they  will 
hurt  no  one  ?  I  believe  by  not  governing  myself  in  little 
things,  I  may  by  degrees  become  a  despicable  character,  and 
a  curse  to  society ;  therefore,  my  doing  wrong  is  of  conse- 
quence to  others,  as  well  as  to  myself." 

In  her  Seventeenth  Year. — "I  feel  by  experience,  how 
much  entering  into  the  world  hurts  me ;  worldly  company,  I 
think,  materially  injures ;  it  excites  a  false  stimulus,  such  as  a 
love  of  pomp,  pride,  vanity,  jealousy,  and  ambition ;  it  leads 
to  think  about  dress,  and  such  trifles,  and  when  out  of  it, 
we  fly  to  novels  and  scandal,  or  something  of  that  kind,  for 
entertainment.  I  have  lately  been  given  up  a  good  deal  to 
worldly  passions ;  by  what  I  have  felt  I  can  easily  imagine 
how  soon  I  should  be  quite  led  away." 

The  reader  will,  doubtless,  have  already  perceived  that  the 
children  of  John  Gurney  were  allowed  to  mingle  in  the 
gaieties  of  life,  and  that  they  were  not  accustomed  to  observe 
that  moderation  in  their  costume,  which  is  inculcated  by  the 
society  of  which  they  were  nominally  members.  They  did 
not  use  the  correct  grammatical  language  to  which  Friends 
adhere,  and  probably  they  would  not,  in  any  part  of  their 
external  demeanor,  have  been  recognised  as  belonging  to 
this  religious  community. 

Without  a  sketch  of  Elizabeth  Gurney's  life  at  its  earlier 
period,  marking  the  great  change  which,  through  the  opera- 
tion of  divine  grace,  was  wrought  in  her  heart,  and  which 
became  so  strikingly  conspicuous  in  her  renunciation  of  the 
vanities  of  the  world,  this  volume  would  be  divested  of  much 
of  its  most  interesting  and  instructive  tendency.  Further 
quotations  from  her  journal,  showing  the  habits  of  her  youth, 
will  therefore  be  proceeded  with.  The  first  of  these  indicates 
4 


26  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1793. 

the  injurious  influence  of  association  with  persons  whose 
sphere  in  life  is  unfriendly  to  the  growth  of  virtue. 

Prince  William  Frederick,  afterwards  Duke  of  Gloucester, 
was  then  with  his  regiment  quartered  at  Norwich.  And 
Elizabeth  remarks,  "  I  met  the  Prince — it  showed  me  the 
folly  of  the  world.  My  mind  is  very  flat  after  this  storm  of 
pleasure." 

"I  love  to  feel  for  the  sorrows  of  others — to  pour  wine  and 
oil  into  the  wounds  of  the  afflicted.  I  love  '  to  look  through 
nature  up  to  nature's  God.'  I  have  no  more  religion  than 
that,  and  in  the  little  I  have  I  am  not  in  the  least  devotional, 
but  when  I  admire  the  beauties  of  nature,  I  cannot  help 
thinking  of  the  source  from  whence  such  beauties  flow.  I 
feel  it  a  support.  I  believe  firmly  that  all  is  guided  for  the 
best  by  an  invisible  power,  therefore  I  do  not  fear  the  evils  of 
life  so  much.  I  love  to  feel  good — I  do  what  I  can  to  be  kind 
to  everybody.  I  have  many  faults  which  I  hope  in  time  to 
overcome." 

Thus,  by  contemplating  the  external  creation,  she  was  led 
to  confide  in  an  Infinite  Being,  although  she  had  not  yet 
beheld  Him  through- the  medium  of  divine  revelation. 

Monday,  May  21st. — I  am  seventeen  to-day.  Am  I  a  hap- 
pier or  a  better  creature  than  I  was  this  time  twelvemonths  ? 
I  know  I  am  happier  ;  I  think  I  am  better.  I  hope  I  shall 
be  much  better  this  day  year  than  I  am  now.  I  hope  to  be 
quite  an  altered  person,  to  have  more  knowledge,  to  have 
my  mind  in  greater  order ;  and  my  heart,  too,  that  wants 
to  be  put  in  order  as  much,  if  not  more,  than  any  part  of  me, 
it  is  in  such  a  fly-away  state. 

( Written  on  a  bright  summer's  morning.) 

Is  there  not  a  ray  of  perfection  amidst  the  sweets  of  this 
morning ;  I  do  think  there  is  something  perfect  from  which 
all  good  flows. 


1793.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  27 

June  20th. — If  I  have  long  to  live  in  this  world,  may  I 
bear  misfortunes  with  fortitude  ;  do  what  I  can  to  alleviate 
the  sorrows  of  others,  exert  what  power  I  have  to  increase 
happiness ;  try  to  govern  my  passions  by  reason,  and  adhere 
strictly  to  what  I  think  right. 

July  7th.— I  have  seen  several  things  in  myself  and  others, 
I  have  never  before  remarked.;  but  I  have  not  tried  to  im- 
prove myself,  I  have  given  way  to  ray  passions,  and  let  them 
have  command  over  me.  I  have  known  my  faults,  and  not 
corrected  them,  and  now  I  am  determined  I  will  once  more 
try,  with  redoubled  ardour,  to  overcome  my  wicked  inclina- 
tions ;  I  must  not  flirt ;  I  must  not  ever  be  out  of  temper 
with  the  children ;  I  must  not  contradict  without  a  cause  ;  I 
must  not  mump  when  my  sisters  are  liked  and  I  am  not ;  I 
must  not  allow  myself  to  be  angry ;  I  must  not  exaggerate, 
which  I  am  inclined  to  do.  I  must  not  give  way  to  luxury ; 
I  must  not  be  idle  in  mind ;  I  must  try  to  give  way  to  every 
good  feeling,  and  overcome  every  bad ;  I  will  see  what  I 
can  do ;  if  I  had  but  perseverance,  I  could  do  all  that  I  wish : 
I  will  try.  I  have  lately  been  too  satirical,  so  as  to  hurt 
sometimes  ;  remember  !  it  is  a  fault  to  hurt  others. 

8th. — A  much  better  day,  though  many  faults. 

1.0th. — Some  poor  people  were  here ;  I  do  not  think  I  gave 
them  what  I  did,  with  a  good  heart.  I  am  inclined  to  give 
away ;  but  for  a  week  past,  owing  to  not  having  much  money, 
I  have  been  mean  and  extravagant.  Shameful !  Whilst  I 
live,  may  I  be  generous ;  it  is  in  my  nature,  and  I  will  not 
overcome  so  good  a  feeling.  I  am  inclined  to  be  extrava- 
gant, and  that  leads  to  meanness,  for  those  who  will  throw 
away  a  good  deal  are  apt  to  mind  giving  a  little. 

llth. — I  am  in  a  most  idle  mind,  and  inclined  to  have  an 
indolent  dissipated  day ;  but  I  will  try  to  overcome  it,  and 
see  how  far  I  can.  I  am  well;  oh,  most  inestimable  of  com- 
forts !  Happy,  happy  I,  to  be  so  well ;  how  good,  how 
virtuous  ought  I  to  be  !  May  what  I  have  suffered  bo  a 
lesson  to  me,  to  feel  for  those  who  are  ill,  and  alleviate  their 


28  LIFB    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1798. 

sorrows  as  far  as  lies  in  my  power ;  let  it  teach  me  never  to 
forget  the  blessings  I  enjoy.  I  ought  never  to  be  unhappy ; — 
look  back  at  this  time  last  year,  how  ill  I  was,  how  mise- 
rable ; — yet  I  was  supported  through  it ;  God  will  support 
through  the  suffering  he  inflicts ;  if  I  were  devotional,  I 
should  fall  on  my  knees  and  be  most  grateful  for  the  bless- 
sings  I  enjoy ;  a  good  father,  one  whom  I  dearly  love,  sisters 
formed  after  my  own  heart,  friends  whom  I  admire,  and  good 
health  which  gives  a  relish  to  all.  Company  to  dinner  ;  I 
must  beware  of  being  a  flirt,  it  is  an  abominable  character ; 
I  hope  I  shall  never  be  one,  and  yet  I  fear  I  am  one  now  a 
little.  Be  careful  not  to  talk  at  random.  Beware,  and  see 
how  well  I  can  get  through  this  day,  without  one  foolish 
action.  If  I  do  pass  this  day  without  one  foolish  action,  it 
is  the  first  I  ever  passed  so.  If  I  pass  a  day  with  only  a 
few  foolish  actions,  I  may  think  it  a  good  one. 

25th. — This  book  is  quite  a  little  friend  to  my  heart ;  it 
is  next  to  communicating  my  feelings  to  another  person.  I 
would  not  but  write  in  it  for  something,  for  it  is  most  com- 
fortable to  read  it  over,  and  see  the  different  workings  of 
my  heart  and  soul. 

SQth. — Pride  and  vanity  are  too  much  the  incentives  to 
most  of  the  actions  of  men ;  they  produce  a  love  of  admira- 
tion, and  in  thinking  of  the  opinions  of  others,  we  are  too 
apt  to  forget  the  monitor  within.  We  should  first  look  to 
ourselves,  and  try  to  make  ourselves  virtuous,  and  then 
pleasing.  Those  who  are  truly  virtuous  not  only  do  them- 
selves good,  but  they  add  to  the  good  of  all.  All  have  a 
portion  entrusted  to  them  of  the  general  good,  and  those  who 
cherish  and  preserve  it  are  blessings  to  society  at  large  ;  and 
those  who  do  not,  become  a  curse.  It  is  wonderfully  ordered, 
how  in  acting  for  our  own  good,  we  promote  the  good  of 
others.  My  idea  of  religion  is,  not  for  it  to  unfit  us  for  the 
duties  of  life,  like  a  nun  who  leaves  them  for  prayer  and 
thanksgiving ;  but  I  think  it  should  stimulate  and  capacitate 
us  to  perform  these  duties  properly.  Seeing  my  father  low 


1793.]  LIFE  OF  ELIZABETH   FRY.  29 

this  evening,  I  have  done  all  I  can  to  make  him  comfortable, 
I  feel  it  one  of  my  first  duties ;  I  hope  he  will  always  find  in 
me  a  most  true  friend  and  affectionate  daughter. 

August  1st. — I  have  done  little  to-day,  I  am  so  very  idle  ; 
instead  of  improving  I  fear  I  go  back  ;  my  inclinations  lead 
me  to  be  an  idle,  flirting,  worldly  girl.  I  see  what  would  be 
acting  right,  but  I  have  neither  activity  nor  perseverance  in 
what  I  think  right.  I  am  like  one  setting  out  on  a  journey  ; 
if  I  set  out  on  the  wrong  road,  and  do  not  try  to  recover  the 
right  one  before  I  have  gone  far,  I  shall  most  likely  lose  my 
way  for  ever,  and  every  step  I  take,  the  more  difficult  shall 
I  find  it  to  return,  therefore  the  temptation  will  be  greater 
to  go  on,  till  I  get  to  destruction.  On  the  contrary,  if  now, 
whilst  I  am  innocent  of  any  great  faults,  I  turn  into  the 
right  path,  I  shall  feel  more  and  more  contented  every  step 
I  take.  Trifles  occupy  me  far  too  much,  such  as  dress,  &c., 
&c.  I  find  it  easier  to  acknowledge  my  vices  than  my 
follies. 

6th. — I  have  a  cross  to-night.  I  had  very  much  set  my 
mind  on  going  to  the  oratorio,  the  Prince  is  to  be  there,  and 
by  all  accounts  it  will  be  quite  a  grand  sight,  and  there  will 
be  the  finest  music ;  but  if  my  father  does  not  like  me  to 
go,  much  as  I  wish  it,  I  will  give  it  up  with  pleasure,  if 
it  be  in  my  power,  without  a  murmur.  I  went  to  the  or- 
atorio, I  enjoyed  it,  but  spoke  sadly  at  random;  what  a 
bad  habit ! 

12th. — I  do  not  know  if  I  shall  not  soon  be  rather  reli- 
gious, because  I  have  thought  lately,  what  a  support  it  is 
through  life ;  it  seems  so  delightful  to  depend  upon  a  supe- 
rior power,  for  all  that  is  good ;  it  is  at  least  always  having 
the  bosom  of  a  friend  open  to  us,  to  rest  all  our  cares  and 
sorrows  upon,  and  what  must  be  our  feelings  to  imagine  that 
friend  perfect,  and  guiding  all  and  everything,  as  it  should 
be  guided.  I  think  anybody  who  had  real  faith,  could  never 
be  unhappy  ;  it  appears  the  only  certain  source  of  support 
and  comfort  in  this  life,  and  wh:it  is  best  of  all,  it  draws  to 


80  LIFE   OF   ELIZABETH   FRY.  [1793. 

virtue,  and  if  the  idea  be  ever  so  ill-founded  that  leads  to 
that  great  object,  why  should  we  shun  it  ?  Religion  has 
been  misused  and  corrupted  :  that  is  no  reason  why  religion 
itself  is  not  good. 

15th. — For  a  few  days  past  I  have  been  in  a  worldly  state, 
dissipated,  a  want  of  thought,  idle,  relaxed  and  stupid,  all 
outside,  no  inside.  I  feel  I  am  a  contemptible  fine  lady. 
May  I  be  preserved  from  continuing  so,  is  the  ardent  prayer 
of  my  good  man,  but  my  evil  man  tells  me  I  shall  pray  in 
vain.  I  will  try.  I  fear  for  myself ;  I  feel  in  the  course  of 
a  little  time  I  shall  be  all  outside  flippery,  vain,  proud,  con- 
ceited ;  I  could  use  improper  words  at  myself,  but  my  good 
man  will  not  let  me.  But  I  am  good  in  something,  it  is 
wicked  to  despair  of  myself,  it  is  the  way  to  make  me  what  I 
desire  not  to  be :  I  hope  I  shall  always  be  virtuous ;  can  I  be 
really  wicked  ?  I  may  be  so,  if  I  do  not  overcome  my  first 
weak  inclinations ;  I  wish  I  had  more  solidity  and  less  fluidity 
in  my  disposition.  I  feel  my  own  weakness  and  insufficiency 
to  bear  the  evils  and  rubs  of  life.  I  must  try  by  every  stim- 
ulus in  my  power,  to  strengthen  myself  both  bodily  and 
mentally,  it  can  only  be  done  by  activity  and  perseverance. 

19th. — Idle  and  relaxed  in  mind,  greatly  dissipated  by 
hearing  the  band,  &c.  &c.  Music  has  a  great  effect  on  me, 
it  at  times  makes  me  feel  almost  beside  myself. 

3Qth. — "  Come  what,  come  may,  time  and  the  hour  run 
through  the  roughest  day."  A  very  sad  and  trying  day. 
Tried  by  being  poorly,  by  others,  and  by  myself;  very  far 
from  what  I  ought  to  be. 

Sept.  3d. — There  is  much  difference  between  being  obsti- 
nate and  steady ;  I  am  obstinate,  when  I  contradict  for  the 
sake  of  contradiction ;  I  am  steady,  when  I  keep  to  what  I 
really  think  right.  I  am  too  apt  to  contradict,  whether  I 
should  or  not.  If  I  am  bid  to  do  a  thing,  my  spirit  revolts  ; 
if  I  am  asked  to  do  a  thing,  I  am  willing. 

December. — A  thought  passed  my  mind,  that  if  I  had  some 
religion,  I  should  be  superior  to  what  I  am,  it  would  be  a  bias 


1798.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  31 

to  better  actions  ;  I  think  I  am,  by  degrees,  losing  many  ex- 
cellent qualities.  I  am  more  cross,  more  proud,  more  vain, 
more  extravagant.  I  lay  it  to  my  great  love  of  gaiety,  and 
the  world.  I  feel,  I  know,  I  am  falling.  I  do  believe  if  I 
had  a  little  true  religion,  I  should  have  a  greater  support  than 
I  have  now ;  in  virtue  my  mind  wants  a  stimulus ;  never,  no 
never  did  mind  want  one  more  :  but  I  have  the  greatest  fear 
of  religion,  because  I  never  saw  a  person  religious,  who  was 
not  enthusiastic. 

January,  1798. — I  must  die  !  I  shall  die  !  wonderful,  death 
is  beyond  comprehension.  To  leave  life,  and  all  its  interests, 
and  be  almost  forgotten  by  those  we  love.  What  a  comfort 
must  a  real  faith  in  religion  be,  in  the  hour  of  death ;  to  have 
a  jrm  belief  of  entering  into  everlasting  joy.  I  have  a  notion 
of  such  a  thing,  but  I  am  sorry  to  say,  I  have  no  real  faith  in 
any  sort  of  religion ;  it  must  be  a  comfort  and  support  in 
affliction,  and  I  know  enough  of  life  to  see  how  great  a  stim- 
ulus is  wanted,  to  support  through  the  evils  that  are  inflicted, 
and  to  keep  in  the  path  of  virtue.  If  religion  be  a  support, 
why  not  get  it  ? 

14th. — I  think  it  almost  impossible  to  keep  strictly  to  prin- 
ciple, without  religion ;  I  don't  feel  any  real  religion ;  I  should 
think  those  feelings  impossible  to  obtain,  for  even  if  I  thought 
all  the  Bible  was  true,  I  do  not  think  I  could  make  myself 
feel  it :  I  think  I  never  saw  any  person,  who  appeared  so  to- 
tally destitute  of  it.  I  fear  I  am,  by  degrees,  falling  away 
from  the  path  of  virtue  and  truth. 

18</i. — I  am  a  bubble,  without  reason,  without  beauty  of 
mind  or  person ;  I  am  a  fool.  I  daily  fall  lower  in  my  own 
estimation.  What  an  infinite  advantage  it  would  be  to  me, 
to  occupy  my  time  and  thoughts  well.  I  am  now  seventeen, 
and  if  some  kind  and  great  circumstance  does  not  happen 
to  me,  I  shall  have  my  talents  devoured  by  moth  and  rust. 
They  will  lose  their  brightness,  lose  their  virtue,  and  ono 
day  they  will  prove  a  curse  instead  of  a  blessing.  Dreaded 
day!! 


32  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1798. 

I  must  use  extreme  exertion  to  act  really  right,  to  avoid 
idleness  and  dissipation. 

From  the  foregoing  selections,  we  may  perceive  how  ear- 
nest were  Elizabeth  Gurney's  efforts  at  self-examination  and 
self-control.  The  time  was  now  at  hand,  when  her  mind  was 
to  be  illumined  by  the  beams  of  the  "  Sun  of  righteousness," 
and  gradually  delivered  from  the  mists  of  scepticism.  The  ap- 
pointed instrument  of  this  blessed  change  was  William  Savery, 
a  minister,  well  known  and  much  beloved  in  our  religious 
community.  lie  had  come  from  America  to  this  country  on 
a  visit  of  gospel  love,  in  the  course  of  which  he  attended  the 
usua.1  Meeting  at  Norwich  on  first  day,  the  4th  of  second 
month,  1798.  His  preaching  was  very  impressive :  he  was, 
through  the  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  qualified,  in  no  com- 
mon degree,  for  the  office  of  an  ambassador  for  Christ,  and 
many  were  the  seals  to  his  ministry  amongst  those  whom  he 
was  instrumental  in  attracting  to  the  pathway  of  life  and 
peace.  In  his  own  published  journal  is  this  reference  to  the 
above-mentioned  visit  to  Norwich. 

"  Norwich,  First-day,  4th  of  the  month. — Attended  their 
Meeting:  some  not  members  stepped  in,  and  there  were 
about  two  hundred  under  our  name ;  very  few  middle-aged 
or  young  persons  who  had  a  consistent  appearance  in  their 
dress ;  indeed,  I  thought  it  the  gayest  Meeting  of  Friends  I 
ever  sat  in,  and  was  grieved  to  see  it.  I  expected  to  pass 
the  Meeting  in  silent  suffering,  but  at  length  believed  it  most 
for  my  peace  to  express  a  little,  and  through  gracious  con- 
descension was  favoured  to  relieve  my  mind,  and  many  were 
tendered.  Had  a  Meeting  in  the  evening,  in  a  large  Meet- 
ing-house, in  another  part  of  the  town  :  there  seem  to  be  but 
few  upright  standard-bearers  left  among  the  members  in  this 
place,  yet  they  are  not  entirely  removed.  Attended  the 
Public  Meeting,  and  the  house,  though  very  large,  could 
not  contain  the  people  by  several  hundreds,  but  considering 
their  crowded  situation,  many  being  obliged  to  stand,  they 


1798.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FEY.  33 

soon  became  settled,  and  through  mercy  it  proved  a  re- 
markably open,  satisfactory  Meeting,  ending  in  prayer  and 
praise  to  the  Author  of  every  blessing.  The  marks  of  wealth 
and  grandeur  are  too  obvious  in  several  families  of  Friends 
in  this  place,  which  made  me  sorrowful,  yet  I  saw  but  little 
opening  to  relieve  my  mind ;  several  of  the  younger  branches, 
though  they  are  enabled  through  divine  grace  to  see  what 
the  Truth  leads  to,  yet  it  is  uncertain  whether,  with  all  the 
alluring  things  of  this  world  around  them,  they  will  choose 
the  simple,  safe  path  of  self-denial."* 

Elizabeth's  sister,  Richenda,  thus  describes  this  eventful 
day : — 

On  that  day,  we,  seven  sisters,  sat  as  usual  in  a  row,  under 
the  gallery  at  Meeting  ;  I  sat  by  Betsy.  William  Savery 
was  there — we  liked  having  Yearly  Meeting  Friends  come 
to  preach ;  it  was  a  little  change.  Betsy  was  generally 
rather  restless  at  Meeting ;  and  on  this  day,  I  remember 
her  very  smart  boots  were  a  great  amusement  to  me ;  they 
were  purple,  laced  with  scarlet. 

At  last  William  Savery  began  to  preach.  His  voice  and 
manner  were  arresting,  and  we  all  liked  the  sound;  her 
attention  became  fixed  ;  at  last  I  saw  her  begin  to  weep,  and 
she  became  a  good  deal  agitated.  As  soon  as  Meeting  was 
over,  I  have  a  remembrance  of  her  making  her  way  to  the 
men's  side  of  the  Meeting,  and  having  found  my  father,  she 
asked  him  if  she  might  dine  with  William  Savery  at  the 
Grove,f  to  which  he  soon  consented,  though  rather  surprised 
by  the  request ;  we  went  home  as  usual,  and,  for  a  wonder, 
we  wished  to  go  again  in  the  afternoon.  I  have  not  the  same 
clear  remembrance  of  this  Meeting ;  but  the  next  scene  that 
has  fastened  itself  on  my  memory,  is  our  return  home  in  the 
carriage.  Betsy  sat  in  the  middle,  and  astonished  us  all  by 
the  great  feeling  she  showed.  She  wept  most  of  the  way 
home.  The  next  morning,  William  Savery  came  to  break- 

*  William  Savery's  journal,  published  by  Oilpin,  1844,  pp.  27-8. 

f  The  residence  of  her  uncle,  Joseph  Qurney. 
5 


34  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1793. 

fast,  prophesying  of  the  high  and  important  calling  she 
would  be  led  into.  What  she  went  through  in  her  own 
mind,  I  cannot  say,  but  the  results  were  most  powerful,  and 
most  evident.  From  that  day  her  love  of  pleasure  and  of 
the  world  seemed  gone. 

How  deep  the  impression,  made  upon  the  mind  of  Eliza- 
beth, her  own  journal  portrays. 

Sunday,  February  4th,  1798. — This  morning  I  went  to 
Meeting,  though  but  poorly,  because  I  wished  to  hear  an 
American  Friend,  named  William  Savery.  Much  passed 
there  of  a  very  interesting  nature.  I  have  had  a  faint  light 
spread  over  my  mind,  at  least  I  believe  it  is  something  of 
that  kind,  owing  to  having  been  much  with,  and  heard  much 
excellence  from,  one  who  appears  to  me  a  true  Christian.  It 
has  caused  me  to  feel  a  little  religion.  My  imagination  has 
been  worked  upon,  and  I  fear  all  that  I  felt  will  go  off.  I 
fear  it  now ;  though  at  first  I  was  frightened,  that  a  plain 
Quaker  should  have  made  so  deep  an  impression  on  me  ; 
but  how  truly  prejudiced  in  me  to  think,  that  because  good 
came  from  a  Quaker,  I  should  be  led  away  by  enthusiasm 
and  folly.  But  I  hope  I  am  now  free  from  such  fears.  I  wish 
the  state  of  enthusiasm  I  am  in  may  last,  for  to-day  I  have  felt 
that  there  is  a  G-od  ;  I  have  been  devotional,  and  my  mind 
has  been  led  away  from  the  follies  that  it  is  mostly  wrapt  up 
in.  We  had  much  serious  conversation ;  in  short,  what  he 
said  and  what  I  felt,  was  like  a  refreshing  shower  falling 
upon  earth,  that  had  been  dried  up  for  ages.  It  has  not 
made  me  unhappy :  I  have  felt  ever  since  humble.  I  have 
longed  for  virtue.  I  hope  to  be  truly  virtuous  ;  to  let 
sophistry  fly  from  my  mind ;  not  to  be  enthusiastic  and 
foolish  ;  but  only  to  be  so  far  religious  as  will  lead  to  virtue. 
There  seems  nothing  so  little  understood  as  religion. 

On  the  6th  she  had  "a  very  serious  ride"  to  Norwich,  but 
meeting  with  some  gay  people  "  brought  on  vanity,"  and 
she  says — 


1798.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  35 

"I  came  home  as  full  of  the  world,  as  I  went  to  town  full 
of  heaven." 

In  hearing  William  Savery  preach,  he  seemed  to  me  to 
overflow  with  true  religion,  and  to  be  humble,  and  yet  a  man 
of  great  abilities ;  and  having  been  gay  and  disbelieving  only 
a  few  years  ago,  makes  him  better  acquainted  with  the  heart 
of  one  in  the  same  situation.  If  I  were  to  grow  like  him,  a 
preacher,  I  should  be  able  to  preach  to  the  gay  and  unbe- 
lieving better  than  to  any  others,  for  I  should  feel  more 
sympathy  for  them,  and  know  their  hearts  better. 

Sunday,  \\tJi. — It  is  very  different  to  this  day  week  (a  day 
never  to  be  forgotten  whilst  memory  lasts.)  I  have  been  to 
Meeting  this  morning.  To-day  I  have  felt  all  my  old  irre- 
ligious feelings — my  object  shall  be  to  search,  try  to  do  right, 
and  if  I  am  mistaken,  it  is  not  my  fault ;  but  the  state  I  am 
now  in  makes  it  difficult  to  act.  What  little  religion  I  have 
felt  has  been  owing  to  my  giving  way  quietly  and  humbly  to 
my  feelings  ;  but  the  more  I  reason  upon  it,  the  more  I  get 
into  a  labyrinth  of  uncertainty,  and  my  mind  is  so  much 
inclined  to  both  scepticism  and  enthusiasm,  that  if  I  argue 
and  doubt,  I  shall  be  a  total  sceptic ;  if,  on  the  contrary,  I 
give  way  to  my  feelings,  and  as  it  were,  wait  for  religion,  I 
may  be  led  away.  But  I  hope  that  will  not  be  the  case ;  at- 
all  events,  religion,  true  and  uncorrupted,  is  of  all  comforts 
the  greatest ;  it  is  the  first  stimulus  to  virtue  ;  it  is  a  support 
under  every  affliction.  I  am  sure  it  is  better  to  be  so  in  an 
enthusiastic  degree,  than  not  to  be  so  at  all,  for  it  is  a  delight- 
ful enthusiasm. 

15</i. — My  mind  is  in  a  whirl.  In  all  probability  I  shall 
go  to  London.  Many,  many  are  the  sensations  I  feel  about 
it,  numbers  of  things  to  expect.  In  the  first  place,  leaving 
home,  how  truly  I  shall  miss  my  best  of  friends,  and  all  of 
them.  (Meaning  particularly  her  brothers  and  sisters.)  In 
the  next  place,  I  shall  see  William  Savery  most  likely,  and 
all  those  plain  Quakers.  I  may  be  led  away,  beware  !  my 


86  LIFE    OPELIZABETH    FRY.  [1798. 

feelings  are  far  more  risen  at  the  thought  of  seeing  him  than 
all  the  playhouses  and  gaieties  in  the  world.  One  will,  I  do 
not  doubt,  balance  against  the  other ;  I  must  be  careful  not 
to  be  led  away ;  I  must  not  overdo  myself.  I  dare  say  it 
will  not  be  half  so  pleasant  as  the  Earlham  heartfelt  gaieties 
in  the  Prince's  time ;  I  must  be  very  careful  not  to  get  vain 
or  silly,  for  I  fear  I  shall.  Be  independent,  and  do  not 
follow  those  I  am  with,  more  than  I  think  right.  Do  not 
make  dress  a  study,  even  in  London.  Read  in  the  Bible, 
when  I  can ;  but  if  I  see  William  Savery,  I  shall  not,  I 
doubt,  be  over  fond  of  gaieties. 

16<A. — We  went  to  hear  the  band,  which  I  am  sorry  for, 
as  I  cannot  get  courage  to  tell  my  father,  I  wish  I  had  not 
gone ;  I  will  not  go  again  without  his  knowing  it  before- 
hand. 


1798-1800.— Visit  to  London,  gaiety  there— Return  to  Earlham— Be- 
comes a  decidedly  religious  character — Letter  from  William  Savery 
— Gradual  development  of  opinion — Journey  into  Wales  and  the 
South  of  England — Intercourse  with  Friends — Colebrook  Dale — 
Increasing  tendency  to  Quakerism — Return  to  Earlham — Attention 
to  the  Poor1 — Journey  to  the  North  of  England — Becomes  a  deci- 
ded Friend — Proposals  of  Marriage  from  Joseph  Fry — Letters. 

IN  this  peculiar  and  awakened  state  of  mind,  Elizabeth, 
•with  the  consent  of  John  Gurney,  visited  London,  that  she 
might  become  acquainted  for  herself  with  those  amusements 
and  fascinations  which  the  world  offers  to  its  votaries;  that 
she  might  have  the  opportunity  of  "  proving  all  things," 
and  choosing  for  herself  that  which  appeared  to  her  "  to  be 
good."  Her  father  took  her  to  London ;  and  there  with  an 
old  and  faithful  attendant,  left  her  for  some  weeks,  under  the 
protection  and  kind  care  of  a  relation.  She  was  often  in- 
terested and  amused  with  the  objects  that  were  presented  to 
her  notice,  but  seldom  satisfied  or  approving.  The  result 
was  that  she  returned  home  entirely  decided :  a  vain  world 
rejected ;  her  heart  set  upon  heavenly  things ;  and  from  that 
time,  most  steadily,  though  gently,  did  she  continue  to 
advance  in  the  path,  in  which  she  believed  it  to  be  her  duty 
to  walk.  But  what  a  dangerous  experiment  was  this  search 
after  pleasure  !  How  calculated  to  dissipate  every  serious 
impression,  which  had  been  made  on  the  mind  of  this  young 
person  !  She  attended  the  opera  and  the  theatres, — engaged 
in  the  dance  and  other  amusements, — mingled,  in  the  gayest 
circles,  with  actresses,  novelists,  and  others  of  a  similar  cha- 
racter,— yielded  to  vanities,  from  which  her  own  good  sense, 

(37) 


88  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FIl*.  [1798. 

now  aroused  to  action  by  a  regenerating  power,  revolted 
with  disgust.  "I  went,"  she  writes,  "to  Drury  Lane  in 
the  evening.  I  must  own  I  was  extremely  disappointed : 
to  be  sure  the  house  is  grand  and  dazzling,  but  I  had  no 
other  feeling  whilst  there  than  that  of  wishing  it  over." 

25th. — Although  I  told  William  Savery  my  principles 
were  not  Friendly,  yet  I  fear  I  should  not  like  his  knowing 
of  my  going  to  the  play.  I  think  such  religion  as  his  must 
attract  an  atheist ;  and  if  there  were  many  such  Quakers 
as  he  is,  the  Society  would  soon  increase. 

Tuesday. — I  went  to  the  play  at  Co  vent  Garden,  I  still 
continue  not  to  like  plays. 

Wednesday,  28th. — We  were  out  this  morning;  I  felt 
proud,  vain  and  silly.  In  the  evening,  we  had  a  dance. 

Thursday,  March  1«£. — I  own  I  enter  into  the  gay  world 
reluctantly.  I  do  not  like  plays.  I  think  them  so  artificial 
that  they  are  to  me  not  interesting,  and  all  seems  so — so 
very  far  from  pure  virtue  and  nature.  My  hair  was  dressed, 
and  I  felt  like  a  monkey.  London  is  not  the  place  for 
heartfelt  pleasure,  BO  I  must  not  expect  to  find  it. 

That  gracious  Heavenly  Parent,  whose  ever-watchful  eye 
is  upon  them  that  fear  Him,  was  providing  something  for 
her  anxious  mind,  more  soul-satisfying  than  pursuits  of  so 
frivolous  a  nature. 

1th. — I  went  to  Meeting  in  the  evening.  I  have  not 
enough  eloquence  to  describe  it.  William  Savory's  sermon 
was  in  the  first  part  very  affecting,  it  was  from  the  Revela- 
tions ;  he  explained  his  text  beautifully,  and  awfully,  most 
awfully  i  felt  it ;  he  next  described  the  sweets  of  religion, 
and  the  spirit  of  prayer.  How  he  did  describe  it  I  He  said, 
the  deist,  and  those  who  did  not  feel  devotion,  looked  at 
nature,  admired  the  thunder,  the  lightning  and  earthquakes, 
as  curiosities ;  but  they  looked  not  up  through  them  to 


1798.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  39 

nature's  God.  How  "well  he  hit  the  state  I  have  been  in ;  I 
trust  I  may  not  remain  in  it ;  his  prayer  was  beautiful ;  I 
think  I  felt  to  pray  with  him. 

YIth. — May  I  never  forget  the  impression  William  Savery 
has  made  on  my  mind  !  as  much  as  I  can  say  is,  I  thank  God 
for  having  sent  at  least  a  glimmering  of  light,  through  him, 
into  my  heart,  which  I  hope  with  care,  and  keeping  it  from 
the  many  draughts  and  winds  of  this  life,  may  not  be  blown 
out,  but  become  a  large  brilliant  flame,  that  will  direct  me  to 
that  haven,  where  will  be  joy  without  a  sorrow,  and  all  will 
be  comfort.  I  have  faith ;  how  much  to  gain  !  not  all  the 
treasures  in  this  world  can  equal  that  heavenly  treasure. 
May  I  grow  more  and  more  virtuous,  follow  the  path  I 
should  go  in,  and  not  fear  to  acknowledge  the  God  whom  I 
worship  ;  I  will  try,  and  I  do  hope  to  do  what  is  right.  I 
now  long  to  be  in  the  quiet  of  Earlham,  for  there  I  may  see 
how  good  I  can  be,  and  so  I  may  here,  for  the  greater  cross 
the  greater  crown  : .  but  I  there  can  reflect  quietly  and 
soberly  on  what  has  passed,  there  I  hope  to  regulate  my 
mind,  which  I  know  sadly  wants  it.  May  I  never  lose  the 
little  religion  I  now  have  ;  but  if  I  cannot  feel  religion  and 
devotion,  I  must  not  despair,  for  if  I  am  truly  warm  and 
earnest  in  the  cause,  it  will  come  one  day.  My  idea  is,  that 
true  humility  and  lowliness  of  heart  is  the  first  grand  step 
towards  true  religion.  I  fear  and  tremble  for  myself,  but  I 
must  humbly  look  to  the  Author  of  all  that  is  good  and  great, 
and,  I  may  say,  humbly  pray,  that  He  will  take  me  as  a 
sheep  strayed  from  His  flock,  and  once  more  let  me  enter 
the  fold  of  His  glory.  I  feel  there  is  a  God  and  immor- 
tality ;  happy,  happy  thought !  May  it  never  leave  me,  and 
if  it  should,  may  I  remember  I  have  felt  that  there  is  a  God 
and  Immortality. 

After  being  in  London  and  its  vicinity  seven  weeks,  she 
returned  home  with  her  father,  on  the  IGth  of  fourth  month. 

Thirty  years  afterwards,  in  1828  she  thus  reviews  this 
critical  period  of  life. 


40  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1798. 

"  Here  ended  this  important  and  interesting  visit  to  Lon- 
don, where  I  learned  much  and  had  much  to  digest.  I  saw 
and  entered  various  scenes  of  gaiety ;  many  of  our  first 
public  places  ;  attended  balls  and  other  places  of  amusement. 
I  saw  many  interesting  characters  in  the  world,  some  of 
considerable  eminence  in  that  day ;  I  was  also  cast  among 
a  great  variety  of  persons  of  different  descriptions.  I  had 
the  high  advantage  of  attending  several  most  interesting 
meetings  of  William  Savery,  and  having,  at  times,  his 
company,  and  that  of  a  few  other  Friends.  It  was  like 
the  casting  die  in  my  life  ;  however,  I  believe  it  was  in  the 
ordering  of  Providence  for  me,  and  that  the  lessons  then 
learnt  are  to  this  day  valuable  to  me.  I  consider  one  of  the 
important  results  was,  the  conviction  of  these  things  being 
wrong,  from  seeing  them  and  feeling  their  effects.  I  wholly 
gave  up  on  my  own  ground,  attending  all  public  places  of 
amusement,  I  saw  that  they  tend  to  promote  evil ;  therefore 
even  if  I  could  attend  them  without  being  hurt  myself,  I 
felt,  in  entering  them,  I  lent  my  aid  to  promote  that,  which 
I  was  sure,  from  what  I  saw,  hurt  others ;  led  many  from 
the  paths  of  rectitude  and  chastity,  and  brought  them  into 
much  sin ;  particularly  those  who  had  to  act  in  plays,  or 
sing  in  concerts.  I  felt  the  vanity  and  folly  of  what  are 
called  the  pleasures  of  this  life,  of  which  the  tendency  is 
not  to  satisfy,  but  eventually  to  enervate  and  injure  the 
heart  and  mind  ;  those  only  are  real  pleasures  which  are  of 
an  innocent  nature,  and  used  as  recreations,  subjected  to  the 
cross  of  Christ.  I  was,  in  my  judgment,  much  confirmed  in 
the  infinite  importance  of  religion,  as  the  only  real  stay, 
guide,  help,  and  comfort  in  this  life,  and  the  only  means  of 
our  having  a  hope  of  partaking  of  a  better.  My  understand- 
ing was  increasingly  open  to  receive  its  truths  ;  although  the 
glad  tidings  of  the  gospel  of  Christ  were  little,  very  little,  if 
at  all  understood  by  me,  I  was  like  the  blind  man  ;  although 
I  could  hardly  be  said  to  have  attained  the  state  of  seeing 
men  as  trees.  I  obtained  in  this  expedition  a  valuable  know- 


1798.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  41 

ledge  of  human  character,  from  the  variety  I  met  with ;  this 
I  think  was  useful  to  me,  though  some  were  very  dangerous 
associates  for  so  young  a  person,  and  the  way  in  which  I  was 
protected  among  them,  is,  in  my  remembrance,  very  striking ; 
and  leads  me  to  acknowledge,  that  at  this  most  critical  period 
of  my  life,  the  tender  mercy  of  my  God  was  marvellously  dis- 
played towards  me ;  and  that  His  all-powerful,  though  to  me 
then  almost  unseen  and  unknown  hand,  held  me  up  and  pro- 
tected me.  Can  any  one  doubt,  that  it  was  His  Spirit  which 
manifested  to  me  the  evil  in  my  own  heart,  as  well  as  that 
which  I  perceived  around  me  ?  leading  me  to  abhor  it,  and 
to  hunger  and  thirst  after  Himself,  and  His  righteousness, 
and  that  salvation  which  cometh  by  Christ." 

But  we  return  to  her  early  journal : — 

Earlham,  April  2Qth,  1798. — To-day  the  children  brought 
me  a  letter  from  William  Savery :  I  cannot  well  express 
what  I  felt  at  receiving  it.  I  do  not  know  the  course  I  am 
to  run,  all  is  hid  in  mystery,  but  I  try  to  do  right  in  every- 
thing. I  feel  he  gives  me  a  stimulant  to  virtue ;  but  I  fear 
by  what  I  expressed  in  my  letter,  he  suspects  that  I  am 
turning  plain  Quaker.  I  hate  that  he  should  estimate  me 
falsely.  I  must  remember  that  on  the  foundation  of  the  doc- 
trine, I  believe  we  agree.  I  must  look  to  One  higher  than 
he ;  and  if  I  feel  my  own  mind  satisfied  I  need  not  fear. 
Look  up  to  true  religion  as  the  very  first  of  blessings,  cherish 
it,  nourish,  and  let  it  flourish  and  bloom  in  my  heart ;  it 
wants  taking  care  of,  it  is  difficult  to  obtain.  I  must  not 
despair  or  grow  sceptical,  if  I  do  not  always  feel  religious. 
I  have  felt  God  as  it  were,  and  I  must  seek,  to  find  Him 
again. 

The  letter  referred  to  is  as  follows  : — 

"  13th  of  Fourth  Month,  1798. 

"  DEAR  FRIEND, 

"  As  I  left  thee  unwell,  and  without  having  it  in 
my  power  to  take  thee  affectionately  by  the  hand,  as  I  was 
6 


42  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1798. 

much  inclined  to  do ;  it  gave  me  great  pleasure  to  receive 
thy  kind  letter,  which  brings  no  complaint  of  thy  present 
want  of  health ;  for,  I  assure  thee,  I  feel  interested  in  thy 
welfare  and  happiness  every  way.  My  attachment  has  not 
been  more  cordial  or  agreeable  to  any  young  Friend  in  Eng- 
land, and  my  heart  leaped  with  joy  to  find  thou  art  willing 
to  acknowledge  a  state  of  hunger  and  thirst  after  righteous- 
ness, which,  if  thou  cherish  and  dwell  in,  thou  never  need  to 
doubt,  my  dear  friend,  will  eventually  be  crowned  with  the 
enjoyment  of  the  heavenly  promise,  'thou  shalt  be  filled.' 
Thou  art  favoured  with  amiable  and  benevolent  dispositions, 
which  I  hope  thou  hast  wisely  determined  shall  not  be 
eclipsed  by  a  conformity  to  the  god  of  this  world ;  nor  en- 
slaved by  its  rudiments  and  maxims,  its  philosophy  and  vain 
deceit,  but  rather  with  a  holy  magnanimity,  regardless  of  the 
world's  dread  laugh,  thou  wilt  resolve  to  implore  the  Omni- 
potent Hand  that  formed  thee  for  Glory,  Immortality,  and 
Eternal  Life,  to  finish  the  glorious  work  He  has  begun,  by 
creating  thee  anew  in  Christ  Jesus  unto  every  good  word  and 
work ;  bringing  thee  under  the  dominion  of  His  own  power 
and  spirit,  the  fruit  of  which  is  love,  joy,  peace,  long-suffer- 
ing, gentleness,  goodness,  faith,  meekness,  temperance. 

"I  know,  my  dear,  thou  hast,  and  wilt  have,  many  tempta- 
tions to  combat  with ;  thou  wilt,  doubtless,  be  frequently 
importuned  to  continue,  with  thy  gay  acquaintance,  in  pur- 
suit of  that  unsubstantial  and  false  glare  of  happiness,  which 
the  world,  in  too  bewitching  and  deceitful  colours,  holds  out 
to  the  poor  young,  unwary  traveller,  which,  if  he  be  ensnared 
with,  most  certainly  ends  in  blinding  the  intellectual  eye, 
from  discerning  the  uncontaminated  source  of  soul-felt  plea- 
sure, resulting  from  an  humble  heart,  at  peace  with  its  God, 
its  neighbour,  and  itself.  Thou  asks  my  advice,  my  dear 
friend,  and  without  any  premeditation  when  I  sat  down,  I 
find  I  have  been  attempting  it ;  but  it  is  very  evident,  thou 
art  under  the  especial  care  of  an  infinitely  better  Instructor, 
who  has  already  uttered  his  soft  and  heavenly  voice,  to  teach 


1798.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  43 

thee  that  the  first  step  towards  religion  is  true  humility ;  he- 
cause,  in  that  state  only,  we  can  feel  the  need  we  have  of  an 
arm,  stronger  than  human,  to  lean  upon,  to  lead  us  out  of, 
and  keep  us  from  polluting  things,  which  hinder  our  access 
to,  and  confidence  in,  that  boundless  source  of  purity,  love, 
and  mercy ;  who,  amidst  all  the  vicissitudes  of  time,  is  dis- 
posed to  he  our  invincible  Shepherd,  Guardian,  and  Friend, 
in  whom  we  may  trust  and  never  be  afraid  ;  but  this  blessed 
confidence  is  not,  cannot  be  enjoyed  by  the  gay,  the  giddy, 
proud,  or  abandoned  votaries  of  this  world. 

"  It  is  the  peculiar  privilege  of  those,  who  are  sincerely 
endeavouring  to  wash  their  hands  in  innocency,  that  they 
may  compass  the  altar  of  God  availingly.  I  have  experienced 
what  it  is  to  be  under  the  imperious  and  slavish  dominion  of 
my  own  uncontrolled  passions  ;  and  I  know  that  such  a  state 
is  abundantly  mixed  with  the  wormwood  and  the  gall,  and  I 
have  been,  through  adorable  mercy,  convinced  there  is  an 
infinitely  more  happy  one  to  be  attained,  even  in  this  life  ; 
an  enjoyment,  under  the  perfect  law  of  liberty,  of  that  serene 
state  of  mind,  wherein  there  is  no  condemnation,  as  Paul 
speaks,  the  law  of  the  spirit  of  life  in  Christ  Jesus  setting 
the  soul  free  from  the  law  of  sin  and  death.  I  do  not  pre- 
tend, my  dear  friend,  to  boast  myself  as  having  attained  such 
an  uninterrupted  state,  yet  the  transient  foretaste  which  we 
partake  of,  in  proportion  to  our  obedience  to  revealed  duty, 
is  enough  to  inspire  the  soul  of  every  Christian  soldier,  so 
to  run,  through  God's  mercy  and  grace,  that  we  may  obtain 
the  full  and  complete  enjoyment  of  it.  There  are  many 
formal  professors  of  religion,  who  think  to  obtain  peace  with 
God,  by  a  critical  exactness,  and  even  rigid  austerity  in  out- 
ward observances,  and  outside  formalities,  as  well  as  many, 
who,  from  constitution  or  habit,  are  always  exhibiting  the 
dark  and  gloomy  side  of  religion,  not  having,  in  my  humble 
opinion,  their  minds  sufficiently  expanded  by  just  conceptions 
of  the  adorable  love  and  mercy  of  God ;  and  both  of  these 
spread  a  discouraging  report  of  the  good  land,  or  of  the  way 


44  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1798 

which  our  Heavenly  Father  has  appointed  for  us  to  obtain 
possession  of  it.  I  speak  only  my  own  experience,  dear 
Elizabeth,  when  I  say,  that  whenever  I  have  found  my  way 
more  than  usually  strewn  with  thorns,  I  have  generally  dis- 
covered, on  a  deep  scrutiny  of  my  heart,  that  it  has  been  the 
fruit  of  some  open  or  secret  departure  from  the  paths  of 
obedience  and  virtue ;  so  that  I  am  confirmed  that  it  is  in 
our  own  ways  we  are  corrected ;  but  the  ways  of  the  Lord 
are  ways  of  pleasantness,  and  all  His  paths  peace.  I  know 
very  well  that  the  most  virtuous,  being  children  of  frail 
humanity,  and  this  world  not  designed  to  be  the  place  of 
their  undisturbed  rest,  but  a  school  of  discipline  to  prepare 
them  for  a  better,  are  subject  to  afflictions,  as  well  as  others  ; 
still  there  is  this  difference  in  the  midst  of  them  all,  that 
while  the  votary  of  this  world  is  overwhelmed  with  murmur- 
ing and  repining,  and  agitated  with  sorrow  which  worketh 
death,  under  the  afflictive  dispensations,  that  all,  more  or 
less,  in  the  wisdom  of  Providence  for  our  good  must  pass 
through  in  this  life ;  the  humble  Christian,  believing  that 
even  afflictions  from  His  sovereign  hand  are  mercies  in  dis- 
guise, and  that  all  things  shall  work  eventually  for  good  to 
them  that  love  and  fear  Him,  is  strengthened,  through  the 
Lord's  love  and  mercy,  to  say,  '  The  cup  that  my  Heavenly 
Father  hath  blessed,  shall  I  not  drink  it  ?'  '  for  our  light 
affliction,  which  is  but  for  a  moment,  worketh  for  us  a  far 
more  exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of  glory,  while  we  look 
not  at  the  things  which  are  seen,  but  at  the  things  which  are 
not  seen,  for  the  things  which  are  seen  are  temporal,  but  the 
things  which  are  not  seen  are  eternal.'  On  the  other  hand, 
the  temporal  enjoyments  of  this  life,  being  sanctified  to  us 
by  the  hand  that  gave  them,  and  the  world  used  without 
abusing  it,  the  peace,  comfort,  and  rational  enjoyment  of 
them  is  doubly  tasted  by  the  religious  and  grateful  soul.  My 
dear  child,  my  heart  is  full  towards  thee,  I  have  written  a 
great  deal  more  than  I  expected  ;  but  I  fain  would  take  thee 
by  the  hand,  if  I  were  qualified  so  to  do,  and  ascend,  as  our 


1798.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  45 

Heavenly  Father  may  enable  us,  together,  step  by  step,  up 
that  ladder  which  reaches  from  earth  to  heaven  ;  but,  alas  ! 
my  weakness  is  such,  I  can  only  recommend  both  myself  and 
thee  to  that  good  hand,  that  is  able  to  do  more  abundantly 
for  us  than  we  can  either  ask  or  think  ;  and  bid  thee,  for 
the  present,  in  much  Christian  affection,  farewell. 

"  WILLIAM  SAVERY." 

April  21st. — I  am  so  glad  I  do  not  feel  Earlham  at  all 
dull,  after  the  bustle  of  London ;  on  the  contrary,  a  better 
relish  forjihe  sweet  innocence  and  beauties  of  nature.  I 
hope  I  may  say,  I  do  look  "  through  nature  up  to  nature's 
God."  I  go  every  day  to  see  poor  Bob,  (a  servant  in  a 
decline,  living  at  a  cottage  in  the  Park,)  who  I  think  will 
not  live.  I  once  talked  to  him  about  dying,  and  asked  him 
if  he  would  like  me  to  read  to  him  in  the  Testament.  I  told 
him,  I  felt  such  faith  in  the  blessings  of  Immortality,  that  I 
pitied  not  his  state  ;  it  was  an  odd  speech  to  make  to  a  dying 
man.  I  hope  to  be  able  to  comfort  him  in  his  dying  hours. 
I  gave  some  things  to  some  poor  people  to-day  ;  but  it  is  not 
there  that  I  am  particularly  virtuous,  as  I  am  only  following 
my  natural  disposition.  I  should  be  far  more  so,  if  I  never 
spoke  against  any  person,  which  I  do  too  often.  I  think  I 
am  improved  since  I  was  last  at  home  ;  my  mind  is  not  so 
fly-away.  I  hope  it  never  will  be  so  again.  We  are  all 
governed  by  our  feelings ;  now  the  reason  why  religion  is 
far  more  likely  to  keep  you  in  the  path  of  virtue  than  any 
theoretical  plan  is,  that  you  feel  it,  and  your  heart  is  wrapt 
up  in  it ;  it  acts  as  a  furnace  on  your  character,  it  refines  it, 
it  purifies  it ;  whereas  principles  of  your  own  making  arc 
without  kindling  to  make  the  fire  hot  enough  to  answer  its 
purpose.  I  think  a  dream  I  have  had  so  odd,  I  will  write  it 
down. 

Before  I  mention  my  dream,  I  will  give  an  account  of  my 
state  of  mind,  from  the  time  I  was  fourteen  years  old.  I 
had  very  sceptical,  or  deistical  principles.  I  seldom,  or 
never  thought  of  religion,  and  altogether  I  was  a  negatively 


46  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    *  R  Y.  [1798. 

good  character  ;  having  naturally  good  dispositions,  I  had 
not  much  to  combat  with  ;  I  gave  way  freely  to  the  weakness 
of  youth.  I  was  flirting,  idle,  rather  proud  and  vain,  till 
the  time  I  was  seventeen,  when  I  found  I  wanted  a  better, 
a  greater  stimulus  to  virtue,  than  I  had,  as  I  was  wrapt  up 
in  trifles.  I  felt  my  mind  capable  of  better  things ;  but  I 
could  not  exert  it,  till  several  of  my  friends,  without  knowing 
my  state,  wished  I  would  read  books  on  Christianity ;  but  I 
said,  till  I  felt  the  want  of  religion  myself,  I  would  not  read 
books  of  that  kind ;  but  if  ever  I  did,  would  judge  clearly 
for  myself,  by  reading  the  New  Testament,  and  when  I  had 
seen  for  myself,  I  would  then  see  what  others  said.  About 
this  time,  I  believe,  I  never  missed  a  week,  or  a  few  nights, 
without  dreaming,  that  I  was  nearly  being  washed  away  by 
the  sea,  sometimes  in  one  way,  sometimes  in  another ;  and  I 
felt  all  the  terror  of  being  drowned,  or  hope  of  being 
saved  ;  at  last  I  dreamt  it  so  often,  that  I  told  many  of  the 
family  what  a  strange  dream  I  had,  and  how  near  I  was 
being  lost.  After  I  had  gone  on  in  this  way  for  some 
months,  William  Savery  came  to  Norwich.  I  had  begun  to 
read  the  Testament  with  reflections  of  my  own,  and  he  sud- 
denly, as  it  were,  opened  my  eyes  to  see  religion ;  but  again 
they  almost  closed.  I  went  on  dreaming  the  dream.  The 
day  when  I  felt  I  had  really  and  truly  got  true  and  real 
faith,  that  night  I  dreamed  the  sea  was  coming  as  usual  to 
wash  me  away,  but  I  was  beyond  its  reach  ;  beyond  its 
powers  to  wash  me  away ;  since  that  night  I  do  not  remem- 
ber having  dreamed  that  dream.  Odd  !  It  did  not  strike  me 
at  the  time  so  odd ;  but  now  it  does.  All  I  can  say  is,  I 
admire  it,  I  am  glad  I  have  had  it,  and  I  have  a  sort  of 
faith  in  it ;  it  ought,  I  think,  to  make  my  faith  steady,  it 
may  be  the  work  of  chance,  but  I  do  not  think  it  is,  for  it  is 
so  odd  not  having  dreamed  it  since.  What  a  blessed  thought 
to  think  it  comes  from  heaven !  May  I  be  made  capable 
of  acting  as  I  ought  to  act ;  not  being  drowned  in  the  ocean 
of  the  world,  but  permitted  to  mount  above  its  waves,  and 


1798.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  47 

remain  a  steady  and  faithful  servant  to  the  God  whom  1 
worship.  I  may  take  this  dream  in  what  light  I  like,  but  I 
must  be  careful  of  superstition ;  as  many,  many  are  the 
minds  that  are  led  away  by  it.  Believe  only  in  what  I  can 
comprehend  or  feel ;  don't,  don't  be  led  away  by  enthusiasm  ; 
but  I  don't  fear.  I  feel  myself  under  the  protection  of  One, 
who  alone  is  able  to  guide  me  to  the  path  in  which  I  ought 
to  go. 

29^A. — The  human  mind  is  so  apt  to  fly  from  one  extreme 
to  another ;  and  why  is  not  mine  like  others  ?  I  certainly 
seem  to  be  on  the  road  to  a  degree  of  enthusiasm,  but  I  own 
myself  at  a  loss  how  to  act.  If  I  act  as  they  (meaning 
doubtless  those  around  her)  would  wish  me,  I  should  not 
humbly  give  way  to  the  feelings  of  religion ;  I  should  dwell 
on  philosophy,  and  depend  more  on  my  own  reason  than  any- 
thing else.  On  the  contrary,  if  I  give  way  to  the  religious 
feelings  to  which  I  am  inclined,  (and  I  own  I  believe  much 
in  inspiration,)  I  feel  confident  that  I  should  find  true  humility, 
and  humble  Waiting  on  the  Almighty,  the  only  way  of  feel- 
ing an  inward  sense  of  the  beauties,  and  of  the  comforts  of 
religion  ;  it  spreads  a  sweet  veil  over  the  evils  of  life  ;  it  is 
to  me  the  first  of  feelings.  I  own  my  dream  rather  leads  me 
to  believe  in,  and  try  to  follow  the  path  I  would  go  in.  But 
I  should  think  my  wisest  plan  of  conduct  would  be  warmly  to 
encourage  my  feelings  of  devotion,  and  to  keep  as  nearly  as 
I  can  to  what  I  think  right,  and  the  doctrines  of  the  Testa- 
ment ;  not,  at  present,  to  make  sects  the  subject  of  my  medi- 
tations, but  to  do  as  I  think  right,  and  not  alter  my  opinions 
from  conformity  to  any  one,  gay  or  plain. 

May  8th. — This  morning,  being  alone,  I  think  it  a  good 
opportunity  to  look  into  myself,  to  see  my  present  state,  and 
to  regulate  myself.  At  this  time,  the  first  object  of  my  mind 
is  religion.  It  is  the  most  constant  subject  of  my  thoughts 
and  of  my  feelings  ;  I  am  not  yet  on  what  I  call  a  steady 
foundation.  The  next  feeling  that  at  this  present  fills  my 
heart,  is  benevolence  and  affection  to  many,  but  great  want 


48  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1798. 

of  charity,  want  of  humility,  want  of  activity  ;  my  inclina- 
tions lead  me,  I  hope,  to  virtue ;  my  passions  are,  I  hope,  in 
a  pretty  good  state ;  I  want  to  set  myself  in  good  order,  for 
much  time  is  lost,  and  many  evils  committed,  by  not  having 
some  regular  plan  of  conduct ;  I  make  these  rules  for  my- 
self:— 

First, — Never  lose  any  time ;  I  do  not  think  that  lost 
which  is  spent  in  amusement  or  recreation,  some  time  every 
day ;  hut  always  be  in  the  habit  of  being  employed. 

Second, — Never  err  the  least  in  truth. 

Third, — Never  say  an  ill  thing  of  a  person,  when  I  can 
say  a  good  thing  of  them,  not  only  speak  charitably  but 
feel  so. 

Fourth,— Never  be  irritable  nor  unkind  to  anybody. 

Fifth, — Never  indulge  myself  in  luxuries  that  are  not 
necessary. 

Sixth, — Do  all  things  with  consideration,  and  when  my 
path  to  act  right  is  most  difficult,  feel  confidence  in  that 
power  that  alone  is  able  to  assist  me,  and  exert  my  own 
powers  as  far  as  they  go. 

IQth. — Altogether  I  think  I  have  had  a  satisfactory  day. 
I  had  a  good  lesson  of  French  this  morning,  and  read  much 
in  Epictetus.  Saw  poor  Bob,  and  enjoyed  the  sweet  beau- 
ties of  nature,  which  now  shine  forth  ;  each  day  some  new 
beauty  arrives.  I  love  the  beauty  of  the  country,  it  does  the 
mind  good.  I  love  it  more  than  I  used  to  do.  I  love  retire- 
ment and  quiet  much  more  since  my  journey  to  London. 
How  little  I  thought  six  months  ago,  I  should  be  so  much 
altered ;  I  am  since  then,  I  hope,  altered  much  for  the  better. 
My  heart  may  rise  in  thankfulness  to  that  omnipotent  power, 
that  has  allowed  my  eyes  to  be  opened,  in  some  measure,  to 
see  the  light  of  truth,  and  to  feel  the  comfort  of  religion.  I 
hope  to  be  capable  of  giving  up  my  all,  if  it  be  required  of 
me,  to  serve  the  Almighty  with  my  whole  heart. 

21s£. — To-day  is  my  birth-day.  I  am  eighteen  years  old ! 
How  many  things  have  happened  to  me  since  I  was  four- 


1798.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  49 

teen ;  the  last  year  has  been  the  happiest  I  have  experienced 
for  some  time. 

23<£. — I  have  just  been  reading  a  letter  from  my  father, 
in  which  he  makes  me  the  offer  of  going  to  London,  what  a 
temptation  !  but  I  believe  it  to  be  much  better  for  me  to  be 
where  I  am,  quietly  and  soberly  to  keep  a  proper  medium  of 
feelings,  and  not  to  be  extravagant  any  way. 

24<A. — I  wrote  to  my  father  this  morning.  I  must  be  most 
careful  not  to  be  led  by  others,  for  I  know,  at  this  time,  I 
have  so  great  a  liking  for  plain  Friends,  that  my  affections 
being  so  mjuch  engaged,  my  mind  may  be  so  also  by  them. 
I  hope,  as  I  now  find  myself  in  so  wavering  a  state,  that  I 
may  judge  without  prejudice  of  Barclay's  Apology. 

2,1th. — I  must  be  careful  of  allowing  false  scruples  to  enter 
my  mind.  I  have  not  yet  been  long  enough  a  religionist 
to  be  a  sectarian.  I  hope,  by  degrees,  to  obtain  true  faith ; 
but  I  expect  I  shall  lose  what  I  gain  if  I  am  led  to  actions 
that  I  may  repent  of ;  remember  and  never  forget  my  own 
enthusiastic,  feeling  nature.  It  requires  caution  and  extreme 
prudence  to  go  on  as  I  should  do.  In  the  afternoon  I  went 
to  St.  Peter's,  and  heard  a  good  sermon.  The  common  peo- 
ple seemed  very  much  occupied,  and  wrapt  up  in  the  service, 
which  I  was  pleased  to  see ;  afterwards  I  went  to  the  cathe- 
dral, then  I  came  home  and  read  to  the  Normans  and  little 
Castleton. 

29<A. — I  feel  weak  in  mind  and  body.  If  I  go  on  ap- 
proving revealed  religion,  I  must  be  extremely  careful  of 
taking  the  idle  fancies  of  the  brain,  for  anything  so  far  supe- 
rior. I  believe  many  mistake  mere  meteors  for  that  heavenly 
light,  which  few  receive.  Many  may  have  it  in  a  degree, 
but  I  should  suppose  few  have  it,  so  as  to  teach  others  with 
authority. 

June  1st. — I  have  been  great  part  of  this  morning  with 

poor  Bob,  who  seems  now  dying.     I  read  a  chapter  in  the 

Testament  to  him,  the  one  upon  death,  and  I  sat  with  him 

for  some  time  afterwards.     Poor  fellow  !  I  never  saw  death, 

7 


50  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1798. 

or  any  of  its  symptoms  before  ;  sad  to  see,  it  truly  is ;  I  said 
a  few  words  to  him,  and  expressed  to  him  how  happy  we 
should  be  in  expectation  of  immortality  and  everlasting  bliss. 
Father  of  mercies,  wilt  Thou  bless  him,  and  take  him  unto 
Thee  ?  Though  my  mind  is  flat  this  morning,  and  not  fa- 
voured with  Thy  Spirit  in  devotion  ;  yet  I  exert  what  I  have, 
and  hope  it  will  prove  acceptable  in  Thy  sight.  Almighty 
God,  Thy  will  be  done,  and  not  ours.  May  I  always  be  re- 
signed to  what  Thou  hast  ordered  for  me ;  I  humbly  thank 
Thee,  for  allowing  my  eyes  to  be  opened,  so  as  even  to  feel 
faith,  hope  and  love  towards  Thee.  First  and  last  of  every- 
thing infinite,  and  not  to  be  comprehended  except  by  Thy 
Spirit,  which  Thou  allowest  to  enlighten  our  hearts. 

12<A. — This  evening  I  have  got  myself  rather  in  a  scrape  ; 
I  have  been  helping  them  to  beg  my  father  for  us  to  go  to 
the  Guild-dinner,  and  I  don't  know  whether  it  was  quite 
what  I  approve  of,  or  think  good  for  myself ;  but  I  shall 
consider,  and  do  not  intend  to  go,  if  I  disapprove  of  it.  How 
strange  and  odd !  I  really  think  I  shall  turn  plain  Friend  ; 
all  I  say  is,  search  deeply;  do  nothing  rashly,  and  I^then 
hope  to  do  right ;  they  all,  I  think,  now  see  it — keep  up  to 
the  duties  I  feel  in  my  heart,  let  the  path  be  ever  so  difficult ; 
err  not  at  all  if  I  can  avoid  it,  be  humble  and  constant.  I 
do  not  like  to  appear  a  character  I  am  not  certain  of  being. 
For  a  few  days  past,  I  have  at  times  felt  much  religion  for 
me  ;  humility  and  comfort  belong  to  it.  I  often  think  very 
seriously  about  myself.  A  few  months  ago,  if  I  had  seen  any 
one  act,  as  I  now  do,  I  should  have  thought  him  a  fool ;  but 
the  strongest  proof  I  can  have  that  I  am  acting  right  at  the 
present  time  is,  that  I  am  certainly  a  better,  and  I  think  a 
happier  character.  But  I  often  doubt  myself,  when  I  con- 
sider my  enthusiastic  and  changeable  feelings.  Religion  is 
no  common  enthusiasm,  because  it  is  pure,  it  is  a  constant 
friend,  protector,  supporter,  and  guardian;  it  is  what  we 
cannot  do  well  without  in  this  world ;  what  can  prove  its 
excellence  so  much  as  its  producing  virtue  and  happiness  ! 


1798.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  51 

How  much  more  solid  a  character  I  am,  since  I  first  got  hold 
of  religion  !  I  would  not  part  with  what  I  have  for  any- 
thing ;  it  is  a  faith  that  never  will  leave  my  mind,  I  hope 
most  earnestly.  I  do  not  believe  it  will,  but  I  desire  always 
to  be  a  strictly  religious  character. 

The  next  entry  is  striking,  giving  us  the  first  glance  at 
her  future  course. 

1.3th. — I  have  some  thoughts  of,  by  degrees,  increasing 
my  plan  for  Sunday  evening ;  and  of  having  several  poor 
children,  at  least,  to  read  in  the  Testament  and  religious 
books  for  an  hour.  I  have  begun  with  Billy ;  but  I  hope  to 
continue,  and  increase  one  by  one.  I  should  think  it  a  good 
plan ;  but  I  must  not  even  begin  that  hastily.  It  might  in- 
crease morality  among  the  lower  classes,  if  the  Scriptures 
were  oftener  and  better  read  to  them.  I  believe  I  cannot 
exert  myself  too  much,  there  is  nothing  gives  me  such  satis- 
faction as  instructing  the  lower  classes  of  people. 

24th. — I  persevered  in  going  to  Meeting  this  afternoon. 
Coming  home,  I  saw  a  scene  that  indeed  interested  me,  my 
father  jumping  into  the  water  at  the  New  Mills,  after  a  poor 
boy  whom  I  thought  drowned ;  my  feelings  were  great  in- 
deed, both  for  my  father  and  the  boy.  I  believe  I  should 
have  leapt  in  afterwards  if  my  father  had  gone  out  of  sight; 
he  did  it  delightfully,  with  such  activity  and  spirit,  it  was 
charming  to  see  him.  Poor  little  boy !  I  took  him  as  soon 
as  he  was  out  of  the  water ;  it  agitated  me  extremely. 

July  9th. — How  little  is  the  mind  capable  of  really  feeling 
that  we  are  all  in  the  presence  of  God,  who  overlooks  every 
action.  Should  we  not  tremble  when  we  think  of  it  ?  How 
many  faults  do  we  commit !  It  is  impossible,  without  the 
assistance  of  His  almighty  power,  to  comprehend  it.  We 
could  never  be  wicked,  while  we  felt  ourselves  in  the  pre- 
sence of  the  Almighty.  Virtue  alone  can  make  this  thought 
a  hnppy  one. 


52  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1798. 

During  the  summer  John  Gurney  and  his  seven  daughters 
travelled  into  Wales,  &c.  Before  quitting  home,  Elizabeth 
writes : — 

2Qth. — I  suppose  we  shall  go  off  to-morrow  on  our  journey. 
We  expect  the  Opies  and  Bartlett  Gurney  to  dinner.  It  is 
my  wish  to  do  my  lesson  with  Le  Sage,  and  the  first  thing 
afterwards  to  attend  to  my  father  ;  read  to  Mrs.  Norman ; 
see  nurse  Norman ;  walk  to  Colney  about  Billy ;  come  home, 
set  my  things  in  the  greatest  order.  Evening. — I  have  been 
confused  by  the  thoughts  of  going  and  company.  How 
much  do  I  fear  for  myself  this  journey. 

As  they  proceeded  westward,  stopping  at  many  places, 
Elizabeth  enjoyed  the  works  of  nature,  and  dwelt  with 
pleasure  on  the  beautiful  scenery  they  passed  through ;  but 
to  the  works  of  man,  however  imposing,  she  was  compara- 
tively indifferent.  She  visited  cathedral  cities  ;  she  beheld 
scenes  of  high  historic  interest ;  castles,  whose  walls  could 
reveal  dark  tales  of  bye-gone  days ;  but  she  scarcely  mentions 
them,  and  if  she  notices  them  at  all,  it  is  but  to  draw  some 
moral  inference.  In  visiting  the  Dockyards,  at  Plymouth, 
and  viewing  one  of  the  most  striking  instances  of  man's 
power  and  skill,  a  first-rate  man-of-war,  in  perfect  order,  and 
equipped  for  sea,  she  considers  the  sad  effects  of  war,  and  its 
evil  influences  on  the  human  race.  But  by  far  the  greatest 
interest,  afforded  her  by  this  journey,  was  the  prospect  of 
seeing  different  Friends,  and  becoming  better  acquainted 
with  them  and  their  principles.  The  travellers  paid  a  visit 
to  Colebrook  Dale,  the  residence  of  the  well-known  Christian 
philanthropist,  Richard  Reynolds,  there  she  was  left  for  some 
days  with  her  cousin,  Priscilla  Hannah  Gurney,  cousin  to 
the  Gurneys  of  Earlham,  by  both  their  father  and  mother, 
her  father  being  Joseph  Gurney,  and  her  mother  Christiana 
Barclay.  She  was  exactly  the  person  to  attract  the  young; 
she  possessed  singular  beauty,  and  elegance  of  manner.  She 


1798.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  53 

was  of  the  old  school ;  her  costume  partook  of  this,  and  her 
long  retention  of  the  black  hood,  gave  much  character  to  her 
appearance.  She  had  early  renounced  the  world  and  its 
fascinations ;  left  Bath,  where  her  mother  and  sister  Christiana 
Gurney  resided ;  became  eventually  a  minister  among  Friends, 
and  found  a  congenial  retreat  for  many  years  at  Colebrook 
Dale.  The  influence  of  this  visit  upon  Elizabeth  was  very 
powerful.  A  place  more  likely  to  interest  her,  with  persons 
more  suited  to  her  state  of  mind,  could  not  perhaps  have 
been  found  than  Colebrook  Dale,  and  the  residents  there. 
Richard  Reynolds,  at  that  time  advanced  in  years,  was  a 
patriarch  among  his  family,  his  friends,  and  dependents. 
He  devoted  a  large  proportion  of  a  noble  fortune,  acquired 
by  honourable  industry,  to  objects  of  benevolence.  His 
extensive  iron-works  were  carried  on  with  careful  attention 
to  the  moral  good  of  those  employed  in  them. 

Several  other  valuable  Friends  resided  at  Colebrook  Dale, 
connected  with  each  other  in  business,  or  by  marriage,  or  by 
the  stronger  bond  of  religious  fellowship. 

The  memoranda,  penned  by  Elizabeth  Gurney,  during 
their  journey,  are  interesting ;  some  of  them  calculated  to 
excite  much  sympathy,  bespeaking,  as  they  do,  the  temp- 
tations to  which  she  was  exposed. 

Farnham,  July  26th. — To-night  I  am  much  tired,  quite 
fagged,  body  and  mind,  and  the  text  comes  strongly  before 
me,  "Blessed  are  they  that  mourn,  for  they  shall  be  com- 
forted," for  though  I  feel  weak  in  body,  I  have  truly  support 
in  mind.  God  is  a  merciful  Father,  and  when  His  children 
(though  evil  like  me)  mourn,  He  will  comfort  them,  and 
preserve  them,  if  they  will  exert  their  own  powers  also,  to 
serve  him  in  spirit  and  in  truth.  Ilcrw  often  I  fail !  He  is 
never- fail  ing,  no,  never  !  He  makes  the  sun  to  rise  on  the 
just  and  unjust,  and  we  acknowledge  not  His  blessings, 
but  lament  over  the  few  clouds  that  shade  its  brightness : 
and  sometimes  murmur  at  the  Lord  that  made  us.  Weak 
mortals  !  and  I  am  weak  indeed.  But  I  feel  T  have  to  deal 
with  a  merciful  Fntlier. 


54  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1798. 

WeymoutJi.  29th. — We  dined  here,  and  after  dinner  went 
on  the  sea.  I  always  feel  rather  afraid  when  there,  for  I 
consider  that  if  the  least  accident  were  to  happen,  I  should 
be  drowned ;  and  I  do  not  know  if  it  be  right,  only  for 
pleasure,  to  run  the  risk  of  one's  life.  I  always  feel  doubtful 
of  ever  seeing  land  again  ;  but  I  believe  it  to  be  partly 
unwise  cowardice ;  if  duty  led  me  to  it,  I  do  not  think  I 
should  fear.  Some  minds,  by  nature,  are  more  cowards  than 
others,  and  require  more  faith  to  overcome  it.  This  evening, 
I  am  sorry  to  say,  I  feel  a  hankering  after  the  world  and  its 
gaieties  :  but  what  real  satisfaction  is  there  in  being  admired  ! 
I  am  uncertain  about  going  to  the  Rooms  to-morrow.  1 
should  not  object,  I  think,  if  no  expense  follow  it ;  but  if 
I  can  keep  away,  I  will  do  so ;  I  have  been  considering,  and 
believe  this  subject  requires  real  thought.  I  hear  there  is  to 
be  a  ball,  and  I  don't  doubt  we  may  go ;  if  I  go,  I  shall 
enter  the  world,  and  fall  very  likely  into  some  of  its  snares. 
Shall  I  feel  satisfied  in  going,  or  most  satisfied  in  staying 
at  home  ?  I  believe  in  staying  at  home.  The  worst  of  all 
will  be,  I  shall  have  to  contradict  tlie  will  of  all  the  others, 
(her  sisters,)  and  most  likely  to  disappoint  my  father  by  not 
going;  there  is  the  rub,  if  I  don't  go  perhaps  he  will  not  let 
the  others  go.  I  think  I  shall  leave  it  on  these  grounds  ;  if 
I  can  stay  at  home  in  any  way,  do — but  if  I  cannot  without 
vexing  my  father  I  must  go,  and  try  not  to  be  hurt  by  it. 

Dawlish,  August  3rd. — This  morning  Kitty  came  in  for  us 
to  read  the  Testament  together,  which  I  enjoyed :  I  read  my 
favourite  chapter,  the  15th  of  Corinthians  to  them.  Oh ! 
how  earnestly  I  hope  that  we  may  all  know  what  truth  is, 
and  follow  its  dictates.  I  still  continue  my  belief  that  I 
shall  turn  plain  Quaker.  I  used  to  think,  and  do  now,  how 
very  little  dress  matters;  but  I  find  it  almost  impossible  to 
keep  up  to  the  principles  of  Friends  without  altering  my 
dress  and  speech.  I  felt  it  the  other  day  at  Weymouth.  If 
I  had  been  plain,  I  should  not  have  been  tempted  to  go  to 
the  play,  which,  at  all  events,  I  would  not  do ;  plainness  ap 


1798.]  LIFE    OP     ELIZABETH     FRY.  55 

pears  to  be  a  sort  of  protection  to  the  principles  of  Christianity, 
in  the  present  state  of  the  world.  I  have  just  received  a 
letter  from  Anna  Savery,  and  have  been  answering  it,  and 
have  written  rather  a  religious  letter,  which  I  mean  to  show 
them,  though  it  is  to  me  a  cross,  as  I  say  in  it  I  think  I  am  a 
Quaker  at  heart.  I  hope  it  will  not  hurt  them  ;  but  it  is 
better  to  be  on  clear  grounds  with  my  best  friends,  upon  that 
which  so  nearly  interests  me.  I  know  it  hurts  Rachel  and 
John  the  most.  Rachel  has  the  seeds  of  Quakerism  in  her 
heart,  that  if  cultivated,  would  grow  indeed,  I  have  no  doubt. 
I  should  never  be  surprised  to  see  us  all  Quakers. 

4:th. — I  have  been  having  such  a  morning  with  Chrissy 
Gurney,  I  do  really  love  her ;  she  makes  me  more  of  a 
Quaker  than  any  one  I  ever  was  with.  She  certainly  is  the 
most  interesting  woman  I  ever  met,  quite  one  after  my  own 
heart :  she  is  to  me  indescribable.  It  is  odd  to  me,  and  I 
believe  it  is  to  herself,  that  she  is  not  a  Quaker.  But  she  is 
good  without  it,  not  but  what  I  think  she  would  be  happier 
with  it.  I  have  very  little  doubt  I  shall  gain  from  her ;  I 
quite  feel  leaving  this  place. 

Plymouth  Dock,  8th. — After  a  good  night,  -as  soon  as 
breakfast  was  over,  we  went  to  see  the  ropes  made  at  the 
Docks,  which  was  a  most  curious  sight.  How  thankful  I 
should  be,  that  for  all  my  constant  erring  from  the  path  of 
truth,  I  am  yet  sometimes  allowed  to  feel  I  have  an  Arm  to 
lean  upon,  superior  to  human,  that  will  support  me  in  time 
of  trouble.  After  leaving  the  Dock-yards,  we  went  on  board 
a  ferry  boat,  and  I  felt  rather  afraid,  to  my  shame.  We  then 
went  to  see  a  Review,  which  I  felt  rather  uncertain  if  it  were 
right  for  me  to  go  to,  as  I  so  highly  disapprove  of  war  ;  but 
I  believe  whilst  I  appear  as  other  people,  I  must  act  as  they 
do,  unless  with  the  greatest  difficulty.  I  do  not  alter  from 
conformity,  but  from  conviction.  Afterwards  we  went  to 
Lord  Mount  Edgecumbe's,  a  very  fine  place,  but  I  wa§  not 
in  the  mind  for  it.  Am  I  right  or  not  ?  An  officer  has  come 
for  us  to  hear  a  very  famous  Marine  Band  ;  and  I  do  not  go, 


68  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FEY.  [1798. 

because  I  have  some  idea  it  is  wrong,  even  to  give  counte- 
nance to  a  thing  that  inflames  men's  minds  to  destroy  each 
other  ;  it  is  truly  giving  encouragement,  as  far  as  lies  in  my 
power,  to  what  I  most  highly  disapprove,  therefore  I  think  I 
am  right  to  stay  at  home.  I  will  now  go  on  with  an  account 
of  the  day.  We  went  on  board  a  man-of-war  with  Judd 
(their  maid)  and  the  men-servants  ;  it  was  a  fine  but  melan- 
choly sight.  I  may  gain  some  information  by  it,  but  it  is 
not  what  I  quite  approve  of,  the  same  as  the  band ;  my  heart 
feels  most  anxious  this  night  that  I  may  go  right,  for  strait 
and  narrow  is  the  path  that  leadeth  to  eternal  life,  and  broad 
is  the  way  that  leadeth  to  destruction.  I  must  remark, 
before  finishing  this  journal,  that  I  feel  much  satisfaction, 
attending  my  not  going  to  the  Review,  a  thing  my  heart  is 
so  much  set  upon  as  military  music ;  as  soon  as  I  determined, 
in  my  own  mind,  to  give  it  up,  inclination  vanished,  and 
now  would  lead  me  to  stay  at  home.  If  I  look  at  it,  my 
path  is  clearer  than  I  think  ;  for  it  ought  to  give  me  com- 
fort and  hope,  that,  in  so  small  a  thing,  I  feel  so  much 
satisfaction,  it  should  help  me  forward  in  my  journey  to  that 
haven,  where  alone  comfort  is  to  be  found. 

Surely  no  one  can  attentively  trace  the  conflicts,  fears,  and 
doubt,  which  beset  her  mind,  the  obstructions  which  external 
circumstances  placed  around  her,  with  so  few  to  afford  her 
counsel,  or  to  assist  her  judgment,  as  she  sought  to  advance 
in  the  path  of  life  and  peace,  without  feeling  a  deep  and 
tender  sympathy  with  her  infant  exercises,  or  without  being 
impressed  with  the  remarkable  manner  in  which  the 
Heavenly  Shepherd  graciously  extended  the  crook  of  His  love, 
to  draw  her  spirit  gently  along  to  the  fold  of  safety  and  rest. 

Ivy  Bridge,  9th. — The  first  thing  we  undertook  this 
morning,  was  to  see  the  Dock-yards,  which  is  a  sight  too 
astonishing  to  describe.  But  after  all  the  art,  expense  and 
trouble,  that  men  put  themselves  to,  what  do  they  gain,  but 
the  destruction  of  their  fellow-creatures  ?  After  that,  we 


1798.]  LIFEOF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  57 

•went  by  water  to  Plymouth,  and  saw  many  Friends ;  but  one 
very  plain,  who  was  agreeable  to  us  all,  even  interesting. 
As  I  left  Plymouth,  my  mind  felt  deeply  hurt  on  account  of 
the  poor  sailors  and  women,  of  whom  I  have  seen  a  sad  number, 
and  I  longed  to  do  them  good,  to  try  one  day  to  make  them 
sensible  of  the  evil  state  they  appear  to  be  in.  Just  at  that 
time,  I  read,  or  thought,  of  that  passage  in  the  Testament, 
where  it  says,  we  are  to  look  upon  all  men  as  greater  than 
ourselves.  Christ  truly  taught  humility,  and  I  reflected  that 
in  all  probability,  if  I  had  had  the  same  temptations,  I  should 
have  been  equally  wicked ;  for  I  am  sorry,  indeed,  to  say  I 
fear  I  mostly  give  way  to  temptation,  when  it  falls  in  my  way. 
Ah !  much,  much  have  I  to  do,  much  to  strive  for,  before  I 
shall  be  able  to  feel  that  my  house  is  built  upon  a  rock.  I 
know  how  weak  is  its  present  foundation ;  but  this  night  my 
mind  is  cheered  by  the  brightening  light  of  religion. 

The  Christian  solicitude,  excited  in  her  youthful  heart,  in 
behalf  of  the  poor  degraded  population  in  the  vicinity  of  the 
Dock-yards  at  Plymouth,  made  an  impression  that  was  not 
effaced  during  the  long  period  of  twenty-seven  years — filled, 
as  this  period  was,  with  important  interests  ;  and  the  reader 
may  observe  that,  in  the  year  1825,  Elizabeth  Fry  held  a 
religious  meeting  with  them  at  Devonport — more  than  fifteen 
hundred  attending  it — mostly  of  the  lowest  class — these 
being  the  chief  objects  of  her  concern. 

Clifton,  15th. — This  morning  I  have  seen  much  beautiful 
country  about  Clifton.  I  think  it  very  likely  we  shall  go  to 
the  Welsh  Half- Yearly  Meeting,  where  I  expect  we  shall 
meet  most  of  the  Colebrook  Dale  Friends,  whom  I  quite 
long  to  see.  We  have  been  a  pleasant  excursion  this  after- 
noon to  a  Mr.  Harford's ;  I  had  an  interesting  drive  home, 
and  thought  about  serious  subjects.  I  often  think  of  home 
with  a  longing  heart,  to  set  off  once  more  quietly  in  my 
career. 

Abergavcnny,  ISth. — We  went  one  stage  before  breakfast 
8 


58  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1798. 

from  Usk  to  Pontypool ;  as  soon  as  we  got  there,  we  met  two 
plain  Friends,  they  both  preached ;  my  mind  had  some  devo- 
tional feelings,  which  I  felt  a  blessing.  I  remained  and 
dined  with  them,  and  a  little  of  that  peculiar  love  I  feel 
towards  plain  Friends,  sprung  up  in  my  heart  for  them.  Be- 
fore the  afternoon  Meeting,  I  went  with  Mrs.  B to 

call  on  Lady  M .     I  own  I  felt  very  uncomfortable,  I 

felt  as  if  I  were  too  much  a  Friend  with  Friends,  and  too 
worldly  with  other  people.  I  thought  I  should  be  acting  a 
better  part  to  say  thee  instead  of  you,  to  other  people  when 
I  could,  for  I  felt  myself  to-day,  one  minute  saying  thee,  the 
next  you ;  it  appeared  hypocritical.  I  had  an  argument  in 
my  own  mind,  which  I  will  try  to  remember ;  I  first 
thought  how  there  could  be  any  difference,  in  Christian 
virtue,  in  saying  you  or  thee  to  people.  I  considered  there 
were  certainly  some  advantages  attending  it ;  the  first,  that 
of  weaning  the  heart  from  this  world,  by  acting,  in  some 
little  things,  differently  from  it.  But  I  then  thought,  is  it 
not  better  to  be  remarkable  for  excellence  of  conduct,  than 
for  such  little  peculiarities  ?  I  find  that  in  a  perfect  state, 
such  things  would  not  signify,  but  we  are  in  an  imperfect 
state ;  and  our  virtue  is  hard  to  maintain,  without  some  for- 
tress, to  support  it ;  we  must  combat  with  imperfection,  and, 
at  times,  be  obliged  to  make  great  things  of  little  things, 
and  use  them  as  arms  to  defend  us  from  the  many  wiles  and 
snares  of  the  world. 

Landaly,  21s£. — A  gentleman  dined  with  us,  to  whom  I 

did  not  attend,  till  I  discovered  he  was  Lord .     Oh 

pride,  how  it  does  creep  in  upon  me  ! 

Aberystwith,  23rd. — Is  dancing  wrong  ?  I  have  just  been 
dancing ;  I  think  there  are  many  dangers  attending  it,  it  may 
lead  to  vanity  and  other  things.  The  more  the  pleasures  of 
life  are  given  up,  the  less  we  love  the  world,  and  our  hearts 
will  be  set  upon  better  things ;  not  but  that  we  are  allowed. 
I  believe,  to  enjoy  the  blessings  Heaven  has  sent  us.  Wo 
have  power  of  mind  sufficient  to  distinguish  the  good  from 


1798.]  LIFEOFELIZABETIIFRY.  59 

the  bad ;  for  under  the  cloak  of  pleasure,  infinite  evils  are 
carried  on.  The  danger  of  dancing,  I  find,  is  throwing  me 
off  my  centre  ;  at  times  when  dancing,  I  know  that  I  have 
not  reason  left,  hut  that  I  do  things  which  in  calm  moments 
I  must  repent  of. 

Caernarvon,  27th. — After  a  good  breakfast,  we  set  off  on 
our  journey.  The  first  few  miles  I  shall  find  very  difficult  to 
describe,  for  such  a  scene  I  had  not  an  idea  of ;  all  sur- 
rounded with  rocky  mountains,  lost  in  the  clouds  as  they 
passed  over  them.  Sometimes  we  were  on  the  edge  of  a 
precipice,  sometimes  on  the  borders  of  a  river,  where  the 
road  was  cut  out  of  the  rock,  and  high  mountains  on  each 
side,  now  and  then  the  wild  goats  straying  over  them.  We 
were  obliged  to  walk  part  of  the  way,  which  was  trying  to 
me,  as  I  had  the  tooth-ache.  Since  I  have  been  here,  I  have 
had  a  Welsh  harper,  which  I  was  not  quite  sure  was  right, 
as  it  was  giving,  or  at  least  causing  money  to  be  given,  that 
might  have  been  spent  much  better. 

28th. — My  mind  is  in  an  uncomfortable  state  this  morning ; 
for  I  am  astonished  to  find  I  have  felt  a  scruple  at  music,  at 
least  I  could  not  otherwise  account  for  my  feelings ;  but  my 
mind  is  rather  uneasy  after  I  have  been  spending  time  in  it. 
These  cannot  be  sensations  of  my  own  making,  or  a  contriv- 
ance of  my  own  forming,  for  I  have  such  happiness  when  I 
overcome  my  worldly  self;  and  when  I  give  way  to  it,  am 
uneasy ;  not  but  what  I  think  feelings  are  sometimes  danger- 
ous to  give  way  to ;  but  how  odd,  yet  how  true,  that  much 
of  human  reason  must  be  given  up.  I  don't  know  what  to 
think  of  it,  but  I  must  act  somehow,  and  in  some  way ;  yet 
do  nothing  rashly  or  hastily,  but  try  to  humiliate  myself  to 
true  religion ;  and  endeavour  to  look  to  God  who  alone  can 
teach  me  and  lead  me  right ;  have  faith,  hope,  and  if  little 
things  are  to  follow  to  protect  greater  ones,  I  must,  yes,  I 
must  do  it.  I  feel  certainly  happier  in  being  a  Quaker,  but 
my  reason  contradicts  it.  Now  my  fears  are  these,  lately  i 
have  had  Quakerism  placed  before  me  in  a  very  interesting 


60  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1798. 

and  delightful  light ;  and  is  it  unlikely  that  inclination  may 
put  on  the  appearance  of  duty  ?  Now  my  inclination  may, 
before  long,  lead  me  some  other  way ;  that  is  a  sad  founda- 
tion to  build  the  fortress  upon  which  must  defend  me  through 
life  ;  but  I  think  I  am  wrong  in  one  thing,  though  it  is  right 
to  doubt  myself ;  yet  do  I  not  make  myself  more  uneasy,  for 
fear  I  should  be  a  ridiculous  object  to  the  world,  and  some 
of  my  dear  friends.  I  believe  I  can  give  myself  a  little 
advice,  not  to  promote  anything  leading  to  unquakerism ; 
but  try  if  it  make  me  happy  or  not,  and  then  take  greater 
steps  if  I  like. 

Colebrook  Dale.  31st. — Cousin  Priscilla's  room.  This  even- 
ing I  am  at  Colebrook  Dale,  the  place  I  have  so  much  wished 
to  be  at.  I  had  rather  a  comfortable  drive  here  from  Shrews- 
bury ;  read  in  the  Testament,  and  got  by  heart  one  or  two 
verses.  I  felt  it  a  great  pleasure  to  see  cousin  Priscilla.  We 
have  taken  a  long  walk  this  afternoon.  It  brings  me  into  a 
sweet  state,  being  with  plain  Friends  like  these,  a  sort  of 
humility.  I  expect  to  be  here  some  days,  which  I  delight  in. 
I  feel  this  evening  in  a  calm,  and  rather  religious  state  of 
mind.  I  am  blessed  a  little  to  feel  the  existence  of  my  Fa- 
ther who  is  in  heaven  ;  and  I  have  some  hope  I  may  one  day 
be  confined  in  the  sheep-fold,  and  not  stray  from  the  flock. 
I  hope  I  shall,  and  I  may;  for  thanks  be  to  the  Almiglr.v/, 
He  has  formed  us  for  eternal  glory,  if  we  will  be  sufficiently 
melted  down  to  be  moulded  into  the  right  form. 

September  2nd. — I  cannot  easily  describe  that  which  I 
would,  for  I  know  not  in  my  own  mind  what  my  feelings 
exactly  are.  This  morning,  when  breakfast  was  over,  I  had 
some  talk  with  Priscilla,  and  then  we  sat  down  to  read  the 
account  of  a  young  woman  of  the  name  of  Rathbone,  to  me 
striking  and  interesting ;  how  well  she  was  assured  of  Im- 
mortality, how  clearly  did  she  see  her  path  to  Heaven  ! 
Happy,  happy  woman  ;  blessed,  ah  blessed  is  thy  fate  !  may 
we  also  be  permitted  to  accompany  thee  to  glory,  immortality, 
and  eternal  life,  with  our  God  and  our  Saviour;  shall  I  ever 


1798.]  LIFE    OF     ELIZABETH     FRY.  61 

be  sensible  of  deserving  immortal  glory  ?  too  great  a  blessing, 
I  fear,  for  me  and  my  weak  self  ever  to  obtain.  For  hard  is 
the  task  and  narrow  is  the  road  that  leadeth  thereunto.  We 
then  "went  to  Meeting,  my  mind  was  clouded,  but  now  and 
then  a  small  ray  enlightened  it.  Between  the  two  Meetings, 
I  read  again  with  cousin  Priscilla,  and  all  my  sisters,  that 
account  of  the  young  woman.  Hard  is  the  task  of  dedicating 
the  heart  unto  God ;  I  fear,  yet  I  hope  I  may,  with  His 
assistance,  one  day  so  fortify  it,  as  to  become  a  defender  of 
truth  and  religion.  After  the  afternoon  Meeting,  we  drank 
tea  at  Deborah  Darby's ;  I  felt  much  love  towards  her,  and 
her  friend  Appleby  particularly  ;  I  felt  gratified  when  she 
said  William  Savery  had  mentioned  me  to  her,  and  that 
Rebecca  Young,  who  was  out,  was  sorry  she  could  not  see 
me ;  there  is  little,  ah,  little  indeed  in  me  !  When  we  came 
home  this  evening,  my  father  took  me  aside,  and  gave  me 
some  good  advice ;  to  beware  of  passion  and  enthusiasm, 
which  I  hope  I  do  most  earnestly  pray  I  may,  for  truly  they 
are  snares  of  the  enemy. 

3rd. — Got  up  late.  Heard  Deborah  Darby  was  here,  and 
went  down  ;  during  breakfast,  I  felt  my  heart  beat  much ;  as 
soon  as  it  was  over,  Deborah  Darby  preached  in  a  deep, 
clear,  and  striking  manner.  First,  she  said,  God  would 
visit  us  all,  and  did  visit  us ;  that  God  was  a  father  to  the 
fatherless,  and  a  mother  to  the  motherless  ;  my  mind  felt 
deeply  impressed  by  it.  She  then  addressed  me  in  particu- 
lar ;  I  do  not  remember  her  words,  but  she  expressed,  first,  I 
was,  as  I  am,  sick  of  the  world ;  and  looked  higher,  (and  I 
believe  I  do,)  and  that  I  was  to  be  dedicated  to  my  God,  and 
should  have  peace  in  this  world,  and  glory  everlasting  in  the 
world  to  come.  Could  more  satisfaction  be  given  ?  let  me 
bo  thankful ;  I  really  cried,  and  I  think  never  felt  such 
inward  encouragement.  Let  me  be  a  worthy  servant  of  my 
Master  who  is  in  heaven.  May  I,  Oh  !  may  I  do  right. 
My  father  has  given  me  leave  to  stay  till  Fourth-day  morn- 
ing :  kind  lie  truly  is.  lie  spoke  to  me  again  this  morning.  I 


62  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1798. 

feel  myself  highly  favoured,  is  all  I  can  say;  and  may  my 
heart  bow  before  its  Maker,  now  and  evermore  !  After  they 
all  went,  I  came  and  wrote  my  journal,  and  sat  with  cousin 
Priscilla,  and  we  read  till  dinner.  After  that,  we  sat  again 
together  with  the  children,  and  went  on  with  some  letters, 
interesting  to  me,  from  that  young  woman  (E.  llathbone)  to 
Richard  Reynolds.  This  afternoon  I  was  at  the  Darbys.  I 
have  felt,  as  it  were,  tinctured  with  the  goodness  of  those  I 
have  been  with  ;  but  little,  I  own.  Oh,  my  inward  tempta- 
tions, shall  I  ever  overcome  you !  Priscilla  Gurney  I  feel 
my  constant  little  friend,  dearly  indeed  do  I  love  her. 

4:th. — After  tea,  we  went  to  the  Darbys,  accompanied  by 
my  dear  friend  Richard  Reynolds,  and  still  dearer  Priscilla 
Gurney.  We  had  spent  a  pleasant  evening,  when  my  heart 
began  to  feel  itself  silenced  before  God,  and  without  looking 
at  others,  I  found  myself  under  the  shadow  of  His  wing, 
and  I  soon  discovered  that  the  rest  were  in  the  same  state : 
I  was  persuaded  that  it  must  be  that  which  I  felt.  After 
sitting  a  time  in  awful  silence,  Rebecca  Young  spoke  most 
beautifully,  she  touched  my  heart,  and  I  felt  melted  and 
bowed  before  my  Creator.  Deborah  Darby  then  spoke  ; 
what  she  said  was  excellent,  she  addressed  part  of  it  to  me ; 
I  only  fear  she  says  too  much  of  what  I  am  to  be.  A  light 
to  the  blind ;  speech  to  the  dumb  ;  and  feet  to  the  lame  ;  can 
it  be  ?  She  seems  as  if  she  thought  I  was  be  to  a  minister  of 
Christ.  Can  I  ever  be  one  ?  If  I  am  obedient,  I  believe, 
I  shall. 

( 
How  wonderfully  was  Elizabeth  Gurney,  in  after  life,  led, 

by  an  invisible  hand,  to  fulfil  the  mission  which  was  thus, 
under  the  inspiring  influence  of  heavenly  love,  foreshadowed 
on  the  spirit  of  this  nursing  mother  in  Israel ! 

Merridon  5th. — I  rose  this  morning  about  five  o'clock :  I 
did  not  feel  so  much  as  I  expected  leaving  Colebrook  Dale. 
There  is  a  mountain  for  me  to  climb  over,  there  is  sacrifice 
for  me  to  make  ;  before  I  am  favoured  with  faith,  virtue,  and 


1798.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  G3 

assurance  of  immortality.  I  feel  it  would  appear  so  like 
conformity  to  the  opinions  of  others,  to  alter  just  after  being 
with  these  Friends  ;  but  I  think  that  it  is  a  time  to  do  so,  for 
strength  and  courage  have  been  given  me.  This  day  I  have 
said  thee  instead  of  you ;  but  still  go  on  soberly  and  with 
consideration. 

Coventry,  6th. — I  rose  in  good  time  to  write  to  Priscilla 
Gurney,  and  felt  in  a  state  of  darkness  and  discouragement 
about  my  language,  but  I  am  happy  to  say  my  mind  again 
feels  clear.  I  dare  not  draw  back.  I  hope  to  continue  in 
the  habit  with  spirit,  and  if  by  yesterday  week  I  have  kept 
up  to  it,  and  then  feel  discouraged,  I  may  give  it  up.  I 

felt  saying  thee  very  difficult  to-day  to  Mrs. ,  but  I 

perceived  it  was  far  more  so  after  I  sang  to  them.  I  alto- 
gether get  on  pretty  well,  but  doubts  came  into  my  mind 
this  morning ;  yet  were  I  not  to  persevere  I  should,  I  believe, 

feel  unhappy  in  it.  How  shall  I  say  thee  to  II in 

Norwich  !  It  will,  I  think,  make  me  lose  all  my  dissipation 
of  character,  and  be  a  guard  upon  my  tongue. 

Earlham,  Wi. — My  father,  Kitty,  and  myself  set  out  early 
this  morning  for  Newmarket.  When  I  was  there,  I  saw 

Henry  B ;  my  sensation  was  odd  when  I  saw  him,  for  I 

took  to  my  heels  and  ran  away.  I  thought  I  could  not  get 
courage  to  address  him  in  the  plain  language  ;  but  after  I 
collected  myself,  I  did  it  without  much  difficulty.  How  easy 
it  has  been  made  to  me !  By  what  nice  degrees  I  have 
entered  it,  but  I  believe  the  hardest  part  is  to  come  ;  I  have 
felt  the  advantage  of  it,  though  at  times  in  a  dark  and  dis- 
couraging state.  It  makes  me  think  before  I  speak,  and 
avoid  saying  much,  and  also  avoid  the  spirit  of  gaiety  and 
flirting. 

It  is  evident  that  Elizabeth  Gurney  returned  from  this 
excursion  with  a  mind  strongly  impressed  by  the  conviction 
that  the  path  of  duty,  designed  for  her  by  her  Heavenly 
Father,  was  clearly  marked,  as  that  which  involved  her 


04  LIFB    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1798. 

adoption  of  the  habits  and  language  of  Friends.  Had  she 
resisted  this  conviction,  she  could  never  have  been  employed 
by  the  Lord,  as  an  ambassador  for  Christ,  declaring  effectu- 
ally the  message  of  His  salvation. 

Earlham,  Wth. — We  arrived  last  night  from  our  long,  and 
in  some  respects,  delightful  journey.  So  far  from  hurting  me, 
I  hope  it  will  act  as  a  fresh  stimulus  to  virtue  and  religion  ; 
at  least  it  should  ;  I  have  had  some  bright  and  clear  times 
that  should  not  be  forgotten.  I  felt  quite  in  a  flutter,  ex- 
pecting H and  Dr.  Alderson  to  dinner :  they  came. 

and  I  had  little  difficulty  in  saying  thee ; — so  do  such  evils 
vanish,  if  duty  support  us.  In  the  afternoon,  I  had  a  very 
serious  talk  vrith  Kitty  about  my  being  a  Friend.  She 
thinks  that  my  judgment  is  too  young  and  inexperienced  to 
be  able  to  keep  up  any  particular  opinions ;  she  may  be 
right.  I  am  willing  to  give  up  the  company  of  Friends  and 
their  books,  if  she  request  it ;  but  I  do  firmly  believe  my 
mind  will  never  be  easy  or  happy  unless  I  am  a  Quaker. 

On  being  again  settled  at  home,  Elizabeth  Gurney  resumed 
her  usual  habits  of  self-occupation  and  usefulness  to  others  ; 
visiting  and  relieving  the  poor,  both  at  Earlham  and  in 
Norwich,  especially  the  sick,  reading  the  Bible  to  them1  and 
instructing  their  children.  Her  school,  too,  gradually  in- 
creased from  the  small  beginning  of  one  little  boy,  to  so 
great  a  number,  that  her  teaching  them  in  the  house  became 
inconvenient,  and  a  vacant  laundry  was  appropriated  to  this 
purpose.  She  had,  at  last,  above  seventy  scholars,  without 
assistance,  without  monitors,  without  even  the  almost  count- 
less books  and  pictures  of  the  present  day ;  how  she  con- 
trolled the  wills,  and  fixed  the  attention,  of  so  many  unruly 
children,  must  ever  remain  a  mystery  to  those  who  have  not 
the  gift  which  she  possessed  of  influencing  the  minds  of 
others. 

Nor  was  her  attention  confined  to  the  poor :  where  any 
little  kindness  seemed  needed,  there  she  delighted  to  offer  it- 


1798.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  65 

We  have  no  exact  knowledge  of  the  time  when  she  became 
a  Friend  in  outward  appearance.  She  was  slow  in  adopting 
the  costume  ;  she  first  laid  aside  all  ornament,  then  she  chose 
quiet  and  inconspicuous  colours,  and  had  her  dresses  made 
with  perfect  simplicity.  Her  journal  continues  — 


j.  —  I  know  I  am  not  able  to  judge,  and  all  I  pray  for 
is,  faith,  humility  and  patience  ;  and  I  hope,  if  ill  or  well, 
to  do  the  will  of  God.  May,  oh,  may  I  !  is  the  inmost  prayer 
of  my  heart.  I  must  try  not  to  fear  ;  what  will  not  faith  do 
for  us  !  It  would  lead  us  to  all  happiness  ;  but  works  are 
required,  and  I  believe  true  faith  hardly  attainable  without 
them. 

21th.  —  This  evening  I  have  been  doing  exercises,  and  sing- 
ing with  them  ;  my  mind  feels  very  clear  to-night  and  my 
body  much  better.  I  have  been  thinking  about  singing,  I 
hope  in  that,  as  in  everything  else,  to  do  what  is  right.  I 
cannot  say  I  feel  it  wrong  to  sing  to  my  own  family,  it  is 
sweet  and  right  to  give  them  pleasure.  I  do  not  approve  of 
singing  in  company,  as  it  leads  to  vanity  and  dissipation  of 
mind  ;  but  that  I  believe  I  have  no  occasion  to  do,  as  dear 
Rachel  does  not  request  it,  for  she  does  not  like  it  herself. 
I  should  be  sorry  quite  to  give  up  singing,  as  the  gift  of 
nature,  and  on-  her  account  ;  as  long  as  it  docs  not  lead  me 
from  what  is  right,  I  need  not  fear. 

29<7t.  —  I  have  much  enjoyed  the  company  of  my  dear  boy 
Sammy  this  evening.  I  think  we  shall  always  feel  much 
love  for  each  other  ;  young  as  he  is,  I  love  him  particularly. 
Afterwards  we  received  a  letter  from  dear  Priscilla  Gurney. 

October  5th.  —  In  the  evening  a  fiddler  came,  we  all  had 
a  dance.  I  had  the  tooth-ache,  and  so  far  from  its  making 
me  merry,  it  made  me  grave.  I  do  not  feel  satisfaction  in 
dancing. 

<>//'•  —  This  morning  I  awoke  not  comfortable,  the  subject 
of  dancing  came  strongly  before  my  mind.     Totally  declin- 
ing it  as  a  matter  of  pleasure,  I  do  not  mind,  only  as  I  am 
9 


66  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1798. 

situated  with  the  others  I  find  it  difficult ;  the  question  is, 
if  these  may  not  be  scruples  of  my  own  forming,  that  I  may 
one  day  repent  of  ?  The  bottom  of  my  heart  is  inclined  to 
Quakerism,  but  I  know  what  imagination  can  do.  I  believe 
the  formation  of  my  mind  is  such,  that  it  requires  the  bonds 
and  ties  of  Quakerism  to  fit  it  for  immortality.  I  feel  it  a 
very  great  blessing  being  so  little  in  the  company  of  su- 
perior, fascinating  Quakers  ;  because  it  makes  me  act  freely, 
and  look  to  t)ie  only  true  Judge,  for  what  is  right  for  me  to 
do.  The  next  question  I  ask  myself  is,  am  I  sufficiently 
clear,  that  dancing  is  wrong,  to  give  it  up  ?  because  I  know 
much  precaution  is  quite  necessary.  I  believe  I  may,  if  1 
like,  make  one  more  trial,  and  judge  again  how  I  feel ;  but 
I  must  reflect  upon  it,  determining  to  give  it  up,  if  I  think 
right.  I  wish  to  make  it  a  subject  of  very  serious  reflection, 
hoping,  as  usual,  to  do  right ;  it -will  hurt  them  much  I  fear, 
but  time,  I  believe,  will  take  that  off,  if  they  see  me  more 
happy,  and  better  for  it.  Let  me  redouble  all  kindness  to 
them.  Catherine  seems  to  wish  I  would  give  up  my  corres- 
pondence with  Anna  Savery,  which  I  think  I  may  do.  This 
day  has  been  very  comfortable  in  most  respects,  though  I 
have  not  done  much.  I  have  finished  my  letter  to  my  dear 

cousin  Priscilla,  and  that  to  Mrs. ;  but  I  cannot  feel 

quite  easy  to  send  it,  without  first  speaking  to  my  father, 
for  I  do  believe  it  is  my  duty  to  make  him  my  friend  in  all 
things  ;  though  I  think  it  probable,  he  will  discourage  me 
in  writing  to  my  friend  Sophy,  yet  never  keep  anything  from 
him  ;  but  let  me  be  an  open,  true,  kind,  and  dutiful  daugh- 
ter to  him,  whilst  life  is  in  my  body. 

1.2th. — I  have  many  great  faults,  but  I  have  some  dispo- 
sitions which  I  should  be  most  thankful  for.  I  believe  I  feel 
much  for  my  fellow-creatures ;  though  I  think  I  mostly  see 
into  the  minds  of  those  I  associate  with,  and  am  apt  to 
satirise  their  weaknesses ;  yet  I  don't  remember  ever  being 
any  time  with  one  who  was  not  extremely  disgusting,  but  I 
felt  a  sort  of  love  for  them,  and  I  do  hope  I  would  sacrifice 


1799.]  LIFE   OF   ELIZABETH   FRY.  67 

my  life  for  the  good  of  mankind.  My  mind  is  too  much 
like  a  looking-glass — objects,  of  all  kinds,  are  easily  reflected 
in  it,  whilst  present,  but  when  they  go,  their  reflection  is 
gone  also.  I  have  a  faint  idea  of  many  things,  a  strong 
idea  of  a  few ;  therefore  my  mind  is  cultivated  badly.  I 
have  many  straggling,  but  not  many  connected  ideas.  I 
have  the  materials  to  form  good  in  my  mind,  but  I  am  not  a 
sufficiently  good  artificer  to  unite  them  properly  together, 
and  make  a  good  consistence  ;  for  in  some  parts,  I  am  too 
hard,  in  others,  too  soft.  I  hope  and  believe  the  great 
Artificer  is  now  at  work,  that  if  I  join  my  power  to  the  only 
One  who  is  able  to  conduct  me  aright,  I  may  one  day 
be  better  than  I  am. 

Vitli. — My  journal  has  not  gone  on  well  of  late  :  partly 
owing  to  my  going  out,  and  having  people  in  this  room,  now 
there  is  a  fire  ;  I  dislike  going  out ;  what  my  mind  wants, 
is  peace  and  quiet.  The  other  night,  as  I  was  alone  in  a 
carriage,  a  fine  starlight  night,  I  thought,  what  is  it  I  want  ? 
how  I  overflow  with  the  blessings  of  this  world ;  I  have  true 
friends,  as  many  as  I  wish  for ;  good  health,  a  happy  home, 
with  all  that  riches  can  give,  and  yet  all  these  are  nothing 
without  a  satisfied  conscience.  At  times  I  feel  satisfied,  but 
I  have  not  reason  to  feel  so  often.  .  .  .  This  afternoon 
I  have  much  to  correct,  I  feel  proud,  vain,  and  disagreeable  : 
not  touched  with  the  sweet  humility  of  Christianity  ;  nor  is 
my  heart  enlightened  by  its  happy  doctrines.  I  have  now 
two  things  heavily  weighing  on  my  mind — dancing  and 
singing,  so  sweet  and  so  pretty  do  they  seem ;  but  as  surely 
as  I  do  either,  so  surely  does  a  dark  cloud  come  over  my 
mind.  It  is  not  only  my  giving  up  these  things,  but  I  am 
making  the  others  miserable,  and  laying  a  restraint  upon 
their  pleasures.  In  the  next  place,  Am  I  sure  I  am  going 
upon  a  good  foundation?  if  I  am  doing  right,  God  will 
protect  mo  and  them  also.  If  I  am  doing  wrong,  what 
foundation  do  I  stand  upon  ?  None :  then  all  to  me  is 
nothing.  Let  me  try  to  take  my  thoughts  from  this  world. 


68  T,  I  F  K   0  F    R  L  I  Z  A  B  E  T  H    F  R  Y  .  [1798. 

and  look  to  the  only  true  Judge.  I  believe  singing  to  be  so 
natural,  that  I  may  try  it  a  little  longer  :  but  I  do  think 
dancing  may  be  given  up.  What  particularly  led  me  to  this 
state,  was  our  having  company,  and  I  thought  I  must  sing ; 
I  sang  a  little,  but  did  not  stay  with  them  during  the  playing. 
My  mind  continued  in  a  state  of  some  agitation,  and  I  did 
not  sleep  till  some  time  after  I  was  in  bed. 

19f//. — My  mind  feels  more  this  morning,  if  anything, 
than  it  did  last  night.  Can  such  feelings  be  my  own  putting 
on  ?  they  seem  to  affect  my  whole  frame,  mental  and  bodily; 
they  cannot  be  myself,  for  if  I  were  to  give  worlds,  I  could 
not  remove  them ;  they  truly  make  me  shake.  When  I  look 
forwards  I  think  I  can  see,  if  I  have  strength  to  do  as  they 
direct,  I  shall  be  another  person :  sorrow,  I  believe,  will 
remove  to  be  replaced  by  joy ;  then  let  me  now  act !  My 
best  method  of  conduct  will  be  to  tell  Rachel  how  I  am 
situated  in  mind,  and  then  ask  her  what  she  would  advise  ; 
and  be  very  kind  and  tell  her  the  true  state  of  the  case.  Is 
it  worth  while  to  continue  in  so  small  a  pleasure  for  so  much 
pain  ?  The  pleasure  is  nothing  to  me,  but  it  is  a  grand  step 
to  take  in  life. — I  have  been  and  spoken  to  Rachel,  saying  I 
think  I  must  give  up  singing.  It  is  astonishing  the  total 
change  that  has  taken  place ;  from  misery  I  am  now  come  to 
joy  ;  I  felt  ill  before,  I  now  feel  well — thankful  should  I  be 
for  being  directed,  and  pray  to  keep  up  always  to  that  direc- 
tion. After  having  spoken  to  my  darling  Rachel  where  I 
fear  I  said  too  much,  I  rode  to  Norwich  after  some  poor 
people :  I  went  to  see  many,  and  added  my  mite  to  their 
comfort.  Nothing  I  think  could  exceed  the  kindness  of  my 
dear  Rachel.  Though  I  have  no  one  here  to  encourage  me 
in  Quakerism,  I  believe  I  must  be  one  before  I  am  content. 

1th  December. — I  have  had  a  letter  to  say  my  dear  friend 
William  Savery  is  arrived  safely  in  America.  Kitty  and  I 
have  been  having  a -long  talk  together  this  evening  upon 
sects ;  we  both  seem  to  think  them  almost  necessary.  It  is 
long  since  I  have  what  I  call  truly  written  my  journal ; 


170ft.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  69 

writing  my  journal,  is  to  me  expressing  the  feelings  of  my 
heart  during  the  day ;  I  have  partly  given  it  up  from  the 
coldness  of  the  weather,  and  not  having  a  snug  fire  to  sit  by. 
I  wish  now,  as  I  have  opportunity,  to  look  a  little  into  the 
present  situation  of  my  heart ;  that  is  the  advantage  of  writ- 
ing a  true  journal, — it  leads  the  mind  to  look  inwards.  Of 
late  I  do  not  think  I  have  been  sufficiently  active,  but  have 
rather  given  way  to  a  dilatory  spirit.  I  have  been  reading 
Watts's  Logic,  it  tells  me  how  ill-regulated  are  my  thoughts, 
they  ramble  ftuly !  Regularity  of  thought  and  deed  is  what 
I  much  want ;  I  appear  to  myself  to  have  almost  a  confusion 
of  ideas,  which  leads  to  a  confusion  of  actions;  I  want  order ; 
I  believe  it  difficult  to  obtain,  but  yet  with  perseverance  at- 
tainable. The  first  way  to  obtain  it,  appears  to  me,  to  try  to 
prevent  my  thoughts  from  rambling,  and  to  keep  them  as 
steadily  as  possible  to  the  object  in  view.  True  religion  is 
what  I  seldom  feel,  nor  do  I  sufficiently  try  after  it,  by  really 
seeking  devotion ;  I  do  not  warmly  seek  it,  I  am  sure,  not 
do  I  live  in  the  fear  of  an  all-wise  Being,  who  watches  over 
us ;  I  seldom  look  deep  enough,  but  dwell  too  much  on  the 
surface  of  things,  and  let  my  ideas  float.  Such  is  my  state. 
I  can't  tell  how  I  feel  exactly : — at  times  all  seems  to  me 
mystery ;  "  when  I  look  at  the  heavens,  the  work  of  Thy 
fingers,  the  moon  and  the  stars  which  Thou  hast  ordained, 
what  is  man  that  Thou  art  mindful  of  him,  or  the  son  of 
man  that  Thou  visitest  him  ?"  Thou  must  exist,  oh  God  ! 
for  the  heavens  declare  Thy  glory,  and  the  firmament  show- 
eth  Thy  handy-work. 

8th. — Since  dinner  I  have  read  much  Logic  and  enjoyed 
it ;  it  is  interesting  to  me,  and  may,  I  think,  with  attention, 
do  me  good.  Heading  Watts,  impresses  deeply  on  my  mind 
how  very  careful  I  should  be  of  judging  ;  how  much  I  should 
consider,  before  I  speak  or  form  an  opinion ;  how  careful  I 
should  be  not  to  let  my  mind  be  tinged  throughout,  with 
one  reigning  subject,  to  try  not  to  associate  ideas ;  but  judge 
of  things  according  to  the  evidence  they  give  to  my  mind 


70  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1799. 

of  their  own  worth.  My  mind  is  like  a  pair  of  scales  that 
are  not  inclined  to  balance  equally  ;  at  least  when  I  begin 
to  form  a  judgment,  and  try  to  hold  the  balance  equally,  as 
soon  as  I  perceive  one  scale  is  at  all  heavier  than  the  other, 
I  am  apt  at  once  to  let  it  fall  on  that  side  ;  forgetting  what 
remains  in  tho  other  scale,  which,  though  lighter,  should  not 
be  forgotten.  For  instance,  I  look  at  a  character,  at  first  I 
try  to  judge  calmly  and  truly ;  but  if  I  see  more  virtues 
than  vices,  I  am  apt  soon  to  like  that  character  so  much, 
that  I  like  its  weaknesses  also,  and  forget  they  are  weak- 
nesses. The  same  if  evil  may  preponderate,  I  forget  the 
virtues. 

12th. — This  day  finished  with  a  dance.  If  I  could  make 
a  rule  never  to  give  way  to  vanity,  excitement,  or  flirting,  I 
do  not  think  I  should  object  to  dancing ;  but  it  always  leads 
me  into  some  one  of  these  faults  ;  indeed,  I  never  remember 
dancing  without  feeling  one,  if  not  a  little  of  all  the  three, 
and  sometimes  a  great  deal.  But  as  my  giving  it  up  would 
hurt  many,  it  should  be  one  of  those  things  I  part  with  most 
carefully. 

30£/i. — I  went  to  Meeting  in  the  morning  and  afternoon ; 
both  times  rather  dark  ;  but  I  have  been  a  little  permitted  to 
see  my  own  state,  which  is  the  greatest  favour  I  can  ask  for 
at  present ;  to  know  what  I  should  do,  and  to  be  assisted  in 
my  duties :  for  it  is  hard,  very  hard,  to  act  right,  at  least  I 
find  it  so.  But  there  is  the  comfortable  consideration,  that 
God  is  merciful  and  full  of  compassion,  He  is  tender  over 
His  children.  I  had  a  satisfactory  time  with  my  girls  and 
boys. 

January  4t7i,  1799. — Most  of  this  morning  I  spent  in  Nor- 
wich, seeing  after  the  poor ;  I  do  little  for  them,  and  I  do 
not  like  it  should  appear  that  I  do  much.  I  must  be  most 
guarded,  and  tell  those  who  know  I  do  charity  that  I  am 
only  my  father's  agent.  A  plan,  at  least  a  duty,  that  I  have 
felt  for  some  time,  I  will  now  mention.  I  have  been  trying 
to  overcome  fear ;  my  method  has  been  to  stay  in  the  dark, 


1798.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  71 

and  at  night  to  go  into  those  rooms  not  generally  inhabited  ; 
there  is  a  strange  propensity  in  the  human  mind  to  fear  in 
the  dark,  there  is  a  sort  of  dread  of  something  supernatural ; 
I  tried  to  overcome  that,  by  considering  that,  as  far  as  I 
believed  in  ghosts,  so  far  I  must  believe  in  a  state  after 
death,  and  it  must  confirm  my  belief  in  the  Spirit  of  God  ; 
therefore,  if  I  try  to  act  right,  I  have  no  need  to  fear  the 
directions  of  Infinite  Wisdom.  I  do  not  turn  away  such 
things  as  some  do ;  I  believe  nothing  impossible  to  God, 
and  He  may  have  used  spirits  as  agents  for  purposes  beyond 
our  conceptions ;  I  know  they  can  only  come  when  He 
pleases,  therefore  we  need  not  fear  them.  But  my  most 
predominant  fear  is  that  of  thieves ;  and  I  find  that  still 
more  difficult  to  overcome,  but  faith  would  cure  that  also, 
for  God  can  equally  protect  us  from  man  as  from  spirit. 

8th. — My  father  not  appearing  to  like  all  my  present 
doings,  has  been  rather  a  cloud  over  my  mind  this  day : 
there  are  few,  if  any,  in  the  world  I  love  so  well ;  I  am  not 
easy  to  do  what  he  would  not  like,  for  I  think  I  could  sacri- 
fice almost  anything  for  him,  I  owe  him  so  much,  I  love  him 
so  much. 

I  have  been  reading  Watts  on  Judgment  this  afternoon  ; 
it  has  led  me  into  thought,  and  particularly  upon  the  evi- 
dence I  have  to  believe  in  religion.  The  first  thing  that 
strikes  me,  is  the  perception  we  all  have,  of  being  under  a 
power  superior  to  human.  I  seldom  feel  this  so  much  as 
when  unwell ;  to  see  how  pain  can  visit  me,  and  how  it  is 
taken  away.  Work  for  ever,  we  could  not  create  life. 
There  must  bo  a  cause  to  produce  an  effect.  The  next 
thing  that  strikes  me,  is  good  and  evil,  virtue  and  vice, 
happiness  and  unhappiness — these  arc  acknowledged  to  be 
linked  together  ?  virtue  produces  good  ;  vice  evil ;  of  course 
the  Power  that  allows  this,  shows  approbation  of  virtue. 
Thirdly,  Christianity  seems  also  to  have  its  clear  evidences, 
even  to  my  human  reason.  My  mind  has  not  been  con- 
vinced by  books ;  but  what  little  faith  I  have,  has  been  con- 
firmed by  reading  the  holy  writers  themselves. 


72  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH     FRY.  [1799. 

27th. — I  have  had,  in  many  respects,  comfortable  Meet- 
ings: only  my  thoughts  too  giddy,  dwelling  too  much  on  what 
pleased  me  yesterday ;  they  have,  I  am  sorry  to  say,  been 
occupied  with  old  subjects,  such  as  dress,  and  a  little  flirting, 
I  fear.  I  have  enjoyed  my  little  party  as  usual,  who  are 
now,  when  complete,  fifteen  in  number.  What  path  I  shall 
go  in  life,  is  hidden  from  my  view.  May  I  go  in  that  in 
which  I  ought  to  go  !  Do  not  forget  how  much  more  tempt- 
ing it  is  to  choose  the  easiest,  and  yet  do  not  enter  difficulties 
for  difficulty's  sake.  Try  to  be  led  by  no  person,  but  by  my 
own  conscience. 

29th. — I  am  in  a  doubtful  state  of  mind.  I  think  my 
mind  is  timid,  and  my  affections  strong,  which  may  be  partly 
the  cause  of  my  being  so  much  inclined  to  Quakerism  ;  in 
the  first  place,  my  affections  were  worked  upon,  in  receiving 
the  first  doctrines  of  religion  through  a  Quaker  ;  therefore 
it  is  likely  they  would  put  on  that  garb  in  my  mind.  In  the 
next  place,  my  timidity  may  make  me  uncomfortable,  in 
erring  from  principles  that  I  am  so  much  inclined  to  adopt ; 
so  far  I  should  be  on  my  guard,  and  I  hope  not  to  forget 
what  I  have  just  mentioned.  But  yet,  I  think  the  only  true 
standard  I  can  have  to  direct  myself  by,  is  that  which  ex- 
perience proves  to  give  me  the  most  happiness,  by  enabling 
me  to  be  more  virtuous :  I  believe  there  is  something  in  the 
mind,  or  in  the  heart,  that  shows  its  approbation  when  we  do 
right.  I  give  myself  this  advice  :  do  not  fear  truth,  let  it 
be  ever  so  contrary  to  Inclination  and  feeling. 

February  1th. — I  read  much  this  morning  in  St.  Basil, 
which  is  to  me  excellent,  interesting,  and  beautiful.  lie 
advises  a  constant  thanksgiving  for  the  many  blessings  we 
enjoy,  and  that  we  should  not  grumble  at  the  evils  we  are 
subject  to  ;  how  much  more  cause  have  I  for  thankfulness 
than  sorrow  !  I  seldom  give  thanks  for  the  many  blessings 
that  surround  me.  St.  Basil  beautifully  says,  "  we  should 
not  eat,  we  should  not  drink,  without  giving  thanks  to  God." 
. — I  hope  I  have  from  experience  gained  a  little.  I 


1799.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  73 

am  much  of  a  Friend  in  my  principles  at  this  time,  hut  do 
not  outwardly  appear  much  so;  I  say  "thee"  to  people,  and 
do  not  dress  very  gay,  but  yet  I  say  "  Mr."  and  "  Mrs.," 
wear  a  turban,  &c.,  &c.  I  have  one  remark  to  make ;  every 
step  I  have  taken  towards  Quakerism  has  given  me  satis- 
faction. 

~L8th. — I  feel  I  must  not  despair :  I  consider  I  first  brought 
sceptical  opinions  upon  myself,  and  it  is  only  what  is  due  to 
me  that  they  should  now  hurt  me.  I  hope  I  do  -not  much 
murmur  at  the  decrees  of  the  Almighty  :  and  can  I  expect, 
who  am  so  faulty,  to  be  blessed  with  entire  faith  ?  Let  me 
once  more  try  and  pray,  that  the  many  evil  roots  in  my  own 
mind  may  be  eradicated.  I  had  altogether  a  pretty  good 
day,  rather  too  much  vanity  at  being  mistress  at  home,  and 
having  to  entertain  many  guests. 

24th. — What  feeling  so  cheering  to  the  human  mind  as 
religion !  what  thankfulness  should  I  feel  to  God  !  I  have 
great  reason  to  believe  Almighty  God  is  directing  my  mind 
to  the  haven  of  peace,  at  least  I  feel  that  I  am  guided  by  a 
Power  not  my  own.  How  dark  was  my  mind  for  some  days! 
How  heavy !  I  saw  duties  to  be  performed  that  even  struck 
me  as  foolish.  I  took  courage  and  tried  to  follow  the 
directions  of  this  voice  ;  I  felt  enlightened,  even  happy. 
Again  I  erred,  again  I  was  in  a  cloud ;  I  once  more  tried, 
and  again  I  felt  brightened. 

25th. — This  time  last  year,  I  was  with  my  dear  friend 
William  Savery,  at  Westminster  Meeting.  I  can  only  thank 
fully  admire,  when  I  look  back  to  about  that  time,  the  gentle 
leadings  my  soul  has  had,  from  the  state  of  great  darkness 
it  was  in  ;  how  suddenly  did  the  light  of  Christianity  burst 
upon  my  mind.  I  have  reason  to  believe  in  religion  from 
my  own  experience,  and  what  foundation  so  solid  to  build 
my  hopes  upon ;  may  I  gain  from  the  little  experiences  I 
have  been  blessed  with,  may  I  encourage  the  voice  of  truth, 
and  may  I  be  a  steady  and  virtuous  combatant  in  the  service 

of  God.     Such  I  think  I  may  truly  say  is  my  most  ardent 
10 


74  LIFB    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1799. 

prayer.  But  God,  who  is  omnipresent,  knows  my  thoughts ; 
knows  my  wishes,  and  my  many,  many  feelings ;  may  I 
conclude  with  saying,  "cleanse  thou  me  from  secret  faults." 

28th. — We  have  had  company  most  part  of  the  day.  I 
have  had  an  odd  feeling.  Uncle  Joseph,  and  many  gay  ones, 
were  here ;  I  had  a  sort  of  sympathy  with  him.  I  feel  to 
have  been  so  much  off  my  guard,  that  if  tempted,  I  should 
have  done  wrong.  I  now  hear  them  singing.  How  much 
my  natural  heart  does  love  to  sing  :  but  if  I  give  way  to  the 
ecstacy  that  singing  sometimes  produces  in  my  mind,  it 
carries  me  far  beyond  the  centre ;  it  increases  all  the  wild 
passions,  and  works  on  enthusiasm.  Many  say  and  think  it 
leads  to  religion ;  it  may  lead  to  emotions  of  religion,  but 
true  religion  appears  to  me  to  be  in  a  deeper  recess  of  the 
heart ;  where  no  earthly  passion  can  produce  it. 

March  \st. — There  is  going  to  be  a  dance — What  am  I 
to  do  ?  As  far  as  I  can  see,  I  believe,  if  I  find  it  very 
necessary  to  their  pleasure,  I  may  do  it,  but  not  for  my  own 
gratification.  Remember,  don't  be  vain,  if  it  be  possible, 
dance  little. 

I  began  to  dance  in  a  state  next  to  pain  of  mind ;  when  I 
had  danced  four  dances,  I  was  trying  to  pluck  up  courage  to 
tell  Rachel  I  wished  to  give  it  up  for  the  evening ;  it  seemed 
as  if  she  looked  into  my  mind,  for  she  came  up  to  me  at  that 
minute  in  the  most  tender  manner,  and  begged  me  to  leave 
off,  saying  she  would  contrive  without  me ;  I  suppose  she 
saw  in  my  countenance  the  state  of  my  mind.  I  am  not 
half  kind  enough  to  her,  I  often  make  sharp  remarks  to  her, 
and  in  reality  there  are  none  of  my  sisters  to  whom  I  owe  so 
much  ;  I  must  think  of  her  as  my  nurse ;  she  would  suffer 
much  to  comfort  me ;  may  she,  oh  God !  be  blessed ;  wouldest 
Thou,  oh  wouldest  Thou,  let  her  see  her  right  path,  what- 
ever that  may  be,  and  wilt  thou  enable  her  to  keep  up  to  her 
duty,  in  whatever  line  it  may  lead.  Let  this  evening  be  a 
lesson  to  me,  not  to  be  unkind  to  her  any  more.  I  think  I 
should  feel  more  satisfaction  in  not  dancing ;  but  such  things 


1799.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  75 

must  be  left  very  much  to  the  time.  How  very  much  do  I 
wish  for  their  happiness ;  that  they  may  be  blessed  in  every 
way,  is  what  I  pray  for  to  the  Great  Director ;  but  all  is 
guided  in  wisdom,  and  I  believe,  as  a  family,  we  have  much 
to  be  thankful  for,  both  for  bodily  and  mental  blessings. 

4th. — I  hope  the  day  has  passed  without  many  faults. 
John  is  just  come  in  to  ask  me  to  dance  in  such  a  kind  way, — 
oh  dear  me  !  I  am  now  acting  clearly  differently  from  them 
all.  Remember  this,  as  I  have  this  night  refused  to  dance 
with  my  dearest  brother,  I  must,  out  of  kindness  to  him,  not 
be  tempted  by  any  one  else.  Have  mercy,  oh  God  !  have 
mercy  upon  me !  and  let  me  act  right,  I  humbly  pray  Thee ; 
wilt  Thou  love  my  dearest,  most  dear  brothers  and  sisters, 
wilt  thou  protect  us?  Dear  John!  I  feel  much  for  him, 
such  as  these  are  home  strokes,  but  I  had  far  rather  have 
them  if  indeed  guided  by  Supreme  Wisdom ;  for  then  I  need 
not  fear.  I  know  that  not  dancing  will  not  lead  me  to  do 
wrong,  and  I  fear  dancing  does;  though  the  task  is  hard  on 
their  account,  I  hope  I  do  not  mind  the  pain  myself.  I 
feel  for  them,  but  if  they  see  in  time  that  I  am  happier  for 
it,  I  think  they  will  no  longer  lament  over  me.  I  will  go  to 
them  as  soon  as  they  have  done,  try  to  be  cheerful  and  to 
show  them  I  love  them,  for  I  do  most  truly,  particularly 
John.  I  think  I  might  talk  a  little  with  John,  and  tell  him 
how  I  stand,  for  it  is  much  my  wisest  plan  to  keep  truly 
intimate  with  them  all ;  make  them  my  first  friends.  I  do 
not  think  I  ever  love  them  so  well  as  at  such  times  as  these. 
I  should  fully  express  my  love  for  them,  and  how  nearly  it 
touches  my  heart,  acting  differently  to  what  they  like.  These 
are  truly  great  steps  to  take  in  life,  but  I  may  expect  sup- 
port under  them. 

IGth. — I  know  I  want  correction,  for  these  few  days  past 
I  have  not  gone  on  well,  a  sort  of  coldness,  darkness,  and 
uncertainty,  that  will  sometimes  take  possession  of  the  mind ; 
it  is  I  believe  much  owing  to  a  want  of  vigilance  and  activity 
on  my  part,  and  it  does  not  always  please  the  Almighty  to 


76  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1799. 

enlighten  us  equally.  I  am  a  very  negligent  being.  If,  as 
Deborah  Darby  said  to  me,  I  will  do  as  far  as  I  know  to  be 
right,  I  may  one  day  be  a  light  to  the  blind,  feet  to  the  lame, 
&c.,  &c.  Shall  such  a  state  ever  be  mine  ?  If  there  be  any 
chance  of  such  a  thing,  I  should  labour  for  it.  I  think  the 
time  I  spent  at  Colebrook  Dale  one  of  the  happiest,  if  not 
the  happiest  time  of  my  life.  I  think  my  feelings  that  night, 
at  Deborah  Darby's,  were  the  most  exalted  I  ever  remember. 
I,  in  a  manner,  was  one  of  the  beginners  of  the  Meeting  ; 
suddenly  my  mind  felt  clothed  with  light,  as  with  a  garment, 
and  I  felt  silenced  before  God ;  I  cried  with  the  heavenly 
feeling  of  humility  and  repentance.  Then,  when  I  was  in 
this  awful  state,  there  were  two  sermons  preached,  one  telling 
me  to  get  the  pearl  of  great  price ;  and  the  other  telling  me 
what  I  might  expect,  even  happiness  in  this  world,  and 
everlasting  happiness  in  the  one  to  come.  But  that  silence 
which  first  took  possession  of  my  mind,  exceeded  all  the 
rest. 

At  this  time,  Elizabeth  adopted  the  numerical  style  of 
dates. 

Fourth  Month,  6th. — I  have  not  done  a  great  deal  to-day, 
and  yet  I  hope  I  have  not  been  idle  :  I  try  to  do  right  now 
and  then,  but  by  no  means  constantly.  I  could  not  recover 
the  feeling  of  being  hurt  at  rejecting,  I  suppose,  the  voice  of 
my  mind,  last  night,  when  I  sang  so  much  ;  they  were  not,  I 
believe,  feelings  of  my  own  making,  for  it  was  my  wish  to 
enjoy  singing  without  thinking  it  wrong. 

1th. — I  have  hopes  the  day  may  come  when  Norwich 
Meeting  will  prosper  and  be  enlivened  again,  from  a  state 
of  cloudiness.  In  the  afternoon,  I  went  with  them  to  hear 
a  person  preach  at  the  Baptists'  Meeting :  I  felt  afraid  of 
setting  my  own  opinions  up,  and  being  uncharitable.  It  did 
not  seem  to  suit  me  like  our  silent  method  of  worship,  and 
the  prayers  and  sermon  did  not  make  their  way  into  the 


1799.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  77 

heart,  as  those  of  our  Friends  do ;  hut  it  is  likely  I  should 
feel  that,  as  I  have  much  love  for  my  own  Society.  Uncle 
Joseph  was  here  in  the  evening,  and  he  seemed  rather  sur- 
prised at  my  going  to  hear  Kinghorn.  I  had  an  interesting 
time  with  my  young  flock,  I  fear  I  might  say  rather  too 
much  to  them ;  mayst  Thou,  oh  Father  !  preserve  them,  for 
without  Thy  aid  my  efforts  are  ineffectual ;  mayst  Thou 
make  me  an  instrument  in  leading  them  to  true  virtue,  and 
may  the  day  come  when  Thou  wilt  call  them  to  everlasting  joy. 

15th. — I  had,  for  my  poor  wandering  thoughts,  a  satisfac- 
tory Meeting ;  partly  owing  to  being  nervous,-  for  it  leads  me 
to  cast  my  care  upon  the  Lord.  I  went  to  Bedlam,  and  felt 
glad  to  see  the  poor  Melton  woman  going  on  well.  If  com- 
fort he  once  permitted  to  enter  her  heart,  it  will  be  a  cause 
of  true  pleasure  to  me,  and  I  hope  of  gratitude  to  the  All- 
wise  Director ;  but  He  knows  better  than  I  what  is  for  her 
good.  To-day,  at  Meeting,  I  felt  such  a  relief  in  the  thought 
that  God  knows  all  our  thoughts,  all  our  temptations,  and 
that  He  knows  also  how  much  power  we  have  to  overcome 
them :  for  I  felt  I  could  not  have  a  just  estimate  of  my  own 
self. 

22nd. — I  have  read  a  good  deal  of  Lavater's  journal,  and 
have  felt  sympathy  with  him.  I  like  the  book,  as  it  reminds 
me  of  my  duty.  I  hope  that  I  shall  have  more  steady  reli- 
ance upon  God  ;  more  regularity  of  mind  ;  less  volatility  of 
thought.  To  have  my  heart  pure  in  the  sight  of  Thee,  who 
knowest  and  seest  all  my  weaknesses,  all  my  defects ;  God 
have  mercy  on  me,  I  pray  Thee  !  mayst  thou  find  in  me  a 
faithful  servant,  abounding  in  good  works ;  may  my  whole 
heart  say  truly,  "  Thy  will  be  done !"  may  I  ever,  with  all  my 
heart,  say  the  Lord's  prayer.  Thou  knowest  my  wishes,  oh 
God  ;  Thou  knowest  them  ! 

2±th. — I  awoke  with  good  resolutions,  wishing  to  obtain 
that  peaceful  state  of  mind,  of  feeling  myself  humbly  trying 
to  do  the  will  of  the  Almighty  ;  I  took  good  resolves,  but 
my  nature  seems  not  in  the  mind  to  act  up  to  them.  I  foel 


78  .        LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1799. 

to  have  too  much  volatility  of  thought  to  keep  that  watch  so 
necessary  about  my  thoughts,  words,  and  actions.  I  do  not 
think  this  has  been  a  bad  day  ;  part  of  it  very  satisfactory, 
particularly  teaching  three  little  girls.  How  little  the  feelings 
of  my  heart  seem  under  my  own  power  ;  I  feel  them  like  my 
body,  under  another  power ;  yet  mankind  do  not  seem  wil- 
ling to  allow  that  God  is  the  Governor  and  Director  of  the 
heart,  though  they  mostly  acknowledge,  it  is  He  who  guides 
all  outward  circumstances ;  we  find  we  have  inward  and  out- 
ward evil  to  combat,  but  we  have  a  power  within  ourselves, 
that  will  much  alleviate  the  many  evils  we  are  subject  to. 

2Sth. — I  then  had  a  very  satisfactory  evening  with  my 
dear  Sam  ;  how  do  I  love  that  dear  boy — may  he  do  well !  I 
am  inclined  to  think  the  day  will  come,  when  we  shall  see 
him  a  religious  character. 

Fifth  Month,  1st. — Even  acting  right  will  sometimes  bring 
dissensions  in  a  family,  as  it  says  in  the  Testament ;  we  must 
not  be  discouraged  even  when  that  is  our  lot,  for  whatever 
may  be  our  situation,  if  we  strictly  adhere  to  that  which  we 
believe  to  be  our  duty,  we  need  not  fear,  but  rest  steadily 
upon  Him  who  can  and  will  support  us.  I  often  observe  how 
much  weakness  of  body  seems  to  humble  the  mind ;  illness 
is  of  great  benefit  to  us,  as  I  have  found  from  experience,  if 
we  try  to  make  good  use  of  it ;  it  leads  us  to  see  our  own 
weakness  and  debility,  and  to  look  to  a  stronger  for  support. 
So  I  believe  it  may  be  with  the  mind ;  dark  and  gloomy 
states  are  allowed  to  come  upon  it  that  we  may  know  our 
own  insufficiency,  and  place  our  dependence  upon  a  Higher 
Power. 

\6th. — I  have  not  done  much  to-day,  partly  owing  to 
taking  a  walk  to  Melton,  and  company  this  afternoon.  I  am 
sorry  to  say,  imperceptibly  my  mind  gets  wrapped  up  in  the 
Election.  I  must  take  care,  or  I  think  I  shall  be  off  my 
guard,  and  I  do  think  if  1  become  so  warm  in  it,  I  shall  find 
it  better  to  go  out  of  the  way ;  and  may  perhaps  go  to 
London  Yearly  Meeting.  But  why  not  try  to  command  my 


1799.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  79 

mind  at  home  ?  I  intend  to  try,  but  in  such  cases  as  this,  it 
is  difficult  to  act  a  negative  character ;  for  even  such  a  body 
as  I  am,  might,  I  believe,  get  many  votes  amongst  the  poor : 
but  yet  I  feel  as  if  it  were  giving  to  the  poor  with  an  expect- 
ation of  return  from  them  to  ask  for  their  votes.  Still,  if 
the  cause  be  such,  as  may  be  of  use  in  tending  to  abolish  the 
war  (for  every  member  in  the  House  carries  some  weight), 
is  it  not  right  to  be  anxious  to  get  any  one,  who  opposes  war, 
into  it  ?  "Many  a  little  makes  a  mickle." 

21th. — At  last  this  long  -  wished  -  for,  expected  day  has 
arrived ;  it  has  been  one  of  real  bustle.  Before  we  went  to 
Norwich,  I  was  much  affected  to  hear  of  the  death  of  poor 
Betty  Pettet,  and  it  moved  me.  Let  death  come  in  any  way, 
how  very  affecting  it  is  !  We  went  to  Norwich,  and  then 
entered  its  tumults.  I  have  not  been  so  very,  very  much 
interested ;  I  might  have  acted  pretty  well,  if  pride,  vanity, 
and  shame  had  not  crept  in  ;  we  lost  the  Election,  which  is 
certainly  a  very  great  blank,  but  we  soon  get  over  such 
matters,  and  it  convinces  me,  the  less  public  matters  are 
entered  into  the  better,  they  do  not  suit  us  ;  keep  to  our  own 
sphere,  and  do  not  go  out  of  its  bounds. 

Seventh  Month,  12th. — This  day  has  not  been  idle,  but  not 
religious.  I  was  most  part  of  the  morning  at  Norwich  ;  in 
the  afternoon,  I  settled  accounts;  and  in  the  evening,  cut 
out  clothes  for  the  poor.  I  don't  think  I  have  looked  into 
the  Testament,  or  written  my  journal  to-day  ;  it  leads  me  to 
remember  what  uncle  Joseph  said  to  me  the  other  day,  after 
relating  or  reading  to  me  the  history  of  Mary,  who  anointed 
our  Saviour  with  the  precious  ointment,  and  His  disciples 
said  she  might  have  sold  it,  and  given  to  the  poor,  but  Christ 
said,  "The  poor  ye  have  always  with  you,  but  me  ye  have 
not  always;"  now  I  thought,  as  uncle  Joseph  remarked,  I 
might  this  evening  have  spent  too  much  time  about  the  poor, 
that  should  have  been  spent  about  better  things. 

In  the  Seventh  Month,  John  Gurney  travelled  into  the 


80  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1799. 

North  of  England,  accompanied  by  his  daughters  Elizabeth 
and  Priscilla,  and  his  son  Samuel.  They  attended  the 
General  Meeting  at  the  school  at  Ackworth :  this  interested 
Elizabeth,  from  bringing  her  into  communication  with 
several  Friends. 

The  travellers  afterwards  visited  Sheepwash,  an  estate  on 
the  beautiful  banks  of  the  Wanspeck,  at  that  time  belonging 
to  John  Gurney ;  they  extended  their  journey  to  Edinburgh, 
and  returned  home,  paying  a  few  visits  on  their  way. 

On  the  day  when  they  set  out  on  this  tour  is  the  next 
entry  in  Elizabeth's  journal. 

Lynn,  Seventh  Month,  28th. — This  was  one  of  the  very 
bustling  mornings,  to  which  Earlham  is  subject,  on  any  of 
the  family  leaving  home.  We  had  a  quiet  sort  of  a  journey 
here,  and  though  I  felt  sorry,  yet  I  am  now  glad  to  be 
away  from  home,  as  we  have  lately  had  so  much  bustle,  and 
I  know  I  have  so  little  cultivated  or  encouraged  a  religious 
state  of  mind  ;  indeed  I  have  been  in  a  darkish  state  of  late, 
sadly  erring  from  the  path  of  right ;  and  I  appeared  to  have 
gone  so  far  out  of  it,  that  I  could  not  get  into  it  again,  till 
temptation  was  a  little  lessened,  which  I  hope  it  will  be  this 
journey.  I  think  it  probable,  I  shall  be  more  stimulated 
in  the  right,  than  in  the  wrong  path. 

Peterborough,  29<A,  first-day. — We  went  to  Meeting 
this  morning  :  and  since  have  been  travelling. 

30£/i. — We  had  a  long  day's  journey  ;  I  hope  it  has  been 
my  object,  at  least,  to  try  to  act  right.  The  propriety  of 
saying  "  thou"  has  lately  struck  me  :  if  I  think  it  right  to 
say  it,  I  hope  I  shall  be  able,  though  any  alteration  of  speech 
is  very  difficult  to  make. 

Ackworth,  Eighth  Month,  \st. — To-day  what  is  called 
the  General  Meeting  began  ;  we  first  had  a  Meeting  of  wor- 
ship, which  was  rather  agreeable :  after  which  we  dined 
with  a  very  large  party  in  the  boy's  dining-room  at  the 
School ;  as  I  was  wandering  about  in  the  bustle,  I  went  into 


1799.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  81 

the  plain  Friends'  room,  (which  I  often  did,)  where  I  had  not 
been  very  long,  before  I  felt  myself  fall  into  silence  before 
God,  which  the  rest  of  the  party  appeared  to  do  also ;  we 
had  not  sat  long  before  a  ministering  Friend  began  to 
preach  to  me.  I  was  much  affected ;  then  a  dear  aged  minister 
also  said  something  to  me  ;  may  I  profit  by  such  refreshing 
times.  At  four  o'clock,  the  Women's  Meeting  met ;  I, 
amongst  a  great  number,  was  chosen  one  of  the  Committee 

to  examine  the  children,  school  and  household : (a  female 

preacher  from  America)  appeared  to  me  to  hold  rather  too 
high  a  hand.  After  Meeting,  we  examined  the  bed -rooms, 

which  I  thought  in  good  order,  and  talked  a  little  to 

(the  preacher  just  alluded  to.) 

2nd. — I  arose  about  six  to  go  to  the  School  to  hear 
the  girls  spell,  which  I  was  pleased  with,  but  should  have 
liked  to  have  questioned  them  more  myself.  After  that,  we 
breakfasted ;  then  met  in  the  Committee,  to  fix  a  little  the 
plans  we  should  go  upon.  I  and  Sarah  Cockfield  were 
mentioned  to  go  and  attend  to  the  Grammar  School ;  I  said 
that  I  had  only  a  slight  knowledge  of  grammar.  We  then 
went  to  the  Grammar  School ;  the  writing,  ciphering,  work- 
ing, mending,  spinning,  knitting,  and  sewing,  all  which  I 
liked  much,  and  thought,  upon  the  whole,  they  did  very  well 
indeed ;  we  then  examined  parts  of  the  house  ;  after  which 
we  dined,  and  at  three  o'clock  met  to  hear  the  report  of  the 
Committee ;  I  forgot  that  before  dinner,  we  met  at  twelve 
o'clock  to  draw  up  the  report  of  what  we  thought  of  the  pro- 
ceedings of  the  School.  It  was  some  time  before  any  one 
would  speak ;  Friends  were  begging  the  Committee  to  say 

what  they  thought,  but  in  vain,  till  I  think broke  the 

ice,  and  encouraged  the  young  people  to  say  what  they 
thought ;  for  they  had  been  requested  before.  As  it  ap- 
peared to  me  it  was  delaying  the  Meeting,  I  took  courage 
(as  I  thought  it  was  more  right  than  wrong)  to  speak  ;  and 
said  what  I  thought  of  the  grammar  and  ciphering  ;  I  felt 
glad  I  had  done  it,  though  I  trembled  at  doing  it,  not  a 
11 


82  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1799. 

little.  Towards  the  latter  part  of  the  sitting,  I  was  pointedly 
asked  what  I  thought  of  their  spelling,  which  I  said  ;  and 
also  that  I  did  not  think  th^y  attended  to  the  words  of  one, 
so  well  as  to  those  of  many  syllables.  After  the  Meetings, 
I  was  encouraged  in  what  I  had  done,  by  salutations  from 
the  Friends,  H.  B.  and  E.  C.  After  dinner,  we  met  again 
and  heard  the  report  they  had  written  to  bring  into  the 
men.  I  thought  the  Meeting  paid  rather  too  much  defer- 
ence to  H.  B.,  in  delaying  the  Meeting,  because  she  was  not 
come  in.  We  took  the  report  to  the  men  ;  I  own  my  body 
and  mind  longed  impatiently  to  have  Meeting  over.  After 
tea  I  entered  into  talk  with .  I  mentioned  dear  Wil- 
liam Savery  :  we  went  and  sat  in  the  Doctor's  room,  where 
was  Thomas  Scattergood,  whom,  though  I  do  not  think  he 
spoke,  yet  I  liked. 

3rd. — I  arose  in  a  bustle  and  hurried  about  till  the  "  cold 
victuals"  were  given  to  the  poor,  which  plan  I  did  not  much 

like,  as  it  seemed  like  showing  off.     preached  to  them 

agreeably,  after  which  Thomas  Scattergood  called  us  aside, 
and  in  a  little  Meeting  expressed  the  great  love  he  felt  for 
me  yesterday,  which  made  it  appear  to  me,  as  if  there  were 
a  sympathy  of  soul,  and  we  both  were  guided  by  the  same 
epirit ;  he  expressed  how  much  he  felt  for  me  at  the  time  I 
came  into  Doctor  Binns'  room,  and  had  then  felt  it  on  his 
mind  to  say  something  to  me ;  I  also  had  felt  a  silent  incli- 
nation to  hear.  We  then  set  off  on  our  journey  to  York. 
I  have  not  sufficiently  dwelt  on  the  kindness  of  some  Friends 
to  me,  during  our  stay  at  Ackworth.  First,  dear  Christiana 
Hustler  and  her  daughter ;  Friend  Messer,  and  many  others. 
May  I  really  profit  by  this  time.  We  arrived  at  York  to  a 
late  dinner,  and  drank  tea  at  Lindley  Murray's,  whom, 
though  I  hardly  spoke  to,  I  really  loved ;  there  was  also 

B F 's  daughter,  who  seemed  sweetly  under  the 

guidance  and  influence  of  religion;  she  was  to  me  truly 
interesting,  but  I  think  I  was  too  forward  with  her ;  I  felt 
my  own  inferiority. 


1799.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FEY.  83 

4M. — This  morning  we  walked  about  York  and  saw  its 
wonders.  The  Minster  is  a  beautiful  building ;  how  much 
people  spend  about  a  pious  building  !  would  they  spend  as 
much  time  and  trouble  about  their  own  souls  ?  We  got  to 
Darlington  to-night.  This  morning,  I  was  much  pleased  by 
a  note  and  present  from  Lindley  Murray,  of  one  of  his 
English  Readers ;  it  renewed  my  feelings  of  love  towards 
him. 

5th. — We  were  at  both  Meetings  at  Darlington  to-day ;  1 
was  much  pleased  with  the  Friends  there,  and  their  appear- 
ance of  unity  and  hospitality.  We  reached  Durham  to- 
night ;  I  was- interested  with  the  beautiful  scenery  on  enter- 
ing the  town. 

Gt h. — Arrived  at  Newcastle  in  a  hard  rain.  Was  in  a  bad 
storm  of  thunder  and  lightning,  at  the  Glass-houses ;  alto- 
gether my  mind  was  calm. 

1th. — Much  bustle  and  fatigue  in  walking  about  New- 
castle, seeing  different  sights  ;  we  arrived  at  Sheepwash  to- 
night. 

Sth. — This  morning,  we  spent  in  riding  about  my  father's 
estate,  which  is  a  beautiful  place ;  I  had  rather  an  exertion 
of  courage  in  riding  an  unruly  horse. 

9*A.— Walked  with  R—  -  C—  -  to  Broom  Park.  I 
must  beware  of  my  proud,  vain  self. 

IQth. — We  spent  the  day,  till  about  five,  at  Broom  Park; 
I  do  not  like  myself  in  that  sort  of  company,  I  am  almost 
sure  to  lose  ground  by  a  sort  of  foolish  wish  to  please  every 
body ;  I  do  not  absolutely  deviate  from  my  character ;  but  I 
enter,  as  far  as  I  can,  into  the  character  of  those  I  am  with, 
and  unintentionally  give  up  more  than  I  should.  We  went 
from  thence  to  Alnwick  Castle,  belonging  to  the  Duke  of 
Northumberland,  a  vary  ."magnificent  place ;  but  seeing  such 
places  never  leads  me  to  wish  for  high  life,  for,  after  all,  are 
the  possessors  Happier,  if  so  happy  as  others  ?  the  only  true 
and  lasting  source  of  happiness  is  an  easy  conscience. 

Edlington,  Scotland,  11th. — We  saw  to-day  a  very  beau- 


84  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [179VJ. 

tiful  view,  Peese  Bridge,  nature  and  art  are  so  finely  united ; 
there  is  sea,  land,  wood,  waterfall,  mountain,  valley,  and  a 
bridge,  I  should  say  more  than  two  hundred  feet  high. 

Shields,  IQfh. — I  am  sorry  it  is  so  long  since  I  wrote  my 
journal.  We  have  been  to  Edinburgh,  which  ia  a  city  well 
worth  seeing  for  its  beauty  and  curiosity.  There  was  an 
American  Friend  who  put  me  much  in  mind  of  dear  William 
Savery.  We  again  went  to  Broom  Pa'rk,  where  we  were 
most  hospitably  received.  On  Second-day  evenjng,  on  our 
way  from  Edinburgh,  I  was  rather  nervous.  I  feel,  I  am 
sorry  to  say,  little  progress  in  the  path  of  virtue :  keeping 
up  that  watch  and  dependence  upon  God  is  so -difficult;  it  is 
hard  work  to  look  only  to  the  true  source  in  our  hearts,  we 
are  so  apt  to  wish  to  save  ourselves  that  trouble,  and  to  look 
to  inferior  sources.  I  believe  talking  much  on  the  subject 
has  not  a  good  effect,  for  it  leads  us  to  an  outward  rather 
than  deeply  inward  feeling ;  it  is  hard  work  really  to  dig 
deep ;  I  seem  to  have  so  many  faults  or  errors  encamped 
round  about  me,  they  are  out  of  my  power  to  overcome 
alone ;  but  can  I  not  do  it  with  looking  to  God  for  assist- 
ance? 

JEarlham,  29th. — On  Third-day  evening,  we  arrived  safely 
at  home,  after  altogether  a  pleasant  journey. 

Ninth  Month)  13tA. — This  morning  I  awoke  with  a  cloud 
over  me,  and  so  I  must  expect  both  to  wake  and  sleep,  if  I 
do  not  try  more  completely  to  do  the  will  of  God.  I  dare 
not  take  resolutions,  as  I  know  now  I  cannot  keep  up  to 
them. 

17YA. —  I  feel  a  comfortable  state  of  mind,  not  so  inclined 
to  be  off  my  guard  as  sometimes,  I  know  it  is  not  owing  to 
myself ;  but  being  so,  should  be  a  cause  of  gratitude. 

This  evening  I  did  a  thing  I  felt  I  had  to  repent  of,  but 
it  has  at  least  made  me  clear  upon  the  subject ;  as  they  were 
singing  and  playing,  they  begged  me  to  sing,  and  I  did  it, 
but  I  felt  far  more  pain  than  pleasure  from  doing  it.  A 
really  uneasy  mind  was  my  portion  the  rest  of  the  evening. 


1799.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  85 

18th. — This  morning  I  went  to  Meeting,  and  fully  felt 
my  weakness  ;  but  I  have  found  myself  to-day  and  yesterday 
a  little  under  the  influence  of  religion,  which  is  a  blessed 
thing.  I  had  much  palpitation  at  the  Meeting  of  Disci- 
pline, because  I  saw  some  things  so  clearly,  but  being 
mentioned  by  others,  I  thought  I  might  get  off  giving 
an  opinion.  I  was  proposed  to  be  representative,  and  said 
I  had  no  objection,  indeed  I  felt  no  objection  on  my  own 
part,  because  though  I  know  how  weak  I  am,  yet  even 
the  weak  should  not  fear  to  exert  the  little  power  they 
have :  and  I  do  feel  interested  for  the  Society,  and,  for 
the  most  part,  approve  its  principles  highly. 

Tenth  Month,  1st. — I  feel  in  a  state  of  much  mental 
weakness,  real  and  true  discouragement ;  I  have  little 
faith,  and  little  hope,  and  almost  fallen,  so  as  not  to  be 
able  to  rise.  But  if  there  be  a  God  and  a  Saviour  I 
need  not  fear ;  for  though  I  know  and  find  my  state  of 
corruption,  yet  I  believe  the  warmest  wish  of  my  heart 
is,  to  do  the  will  of  God,  and  to  act  right :  I  do  most 
truly  hunger  and  thirst  after  righteousness.  I  find  one 
thing  very  hard  to  overcome,  which  is  pride  and  vanity 
in  outward  religious  matters.  True  religion,  I  believe, 
will  not  admit  of  pride  and  vanity.  Another  temptation 
is,  that  I  have  too  much  formed  in  my  own  mind  what  I 
think  I  am  to  be ;  which  may  outwardly  encourage  me  in 
a  path,  that  nothing  but  the  dictates  of  conscience  should 
lead  me  into.  I  am  really  weak  in  faith,  and  in  works  ; 
I  believe,  at  least  I  have  a  hope,  that  if  I  exert  the 
little  power  I  now  have  given  me,  the  day  will  come  when 
I  shall  feel  the  power  of  God  within  me. 

13th. — Narrow  is  the  path  that  lendeth  unto  life  eternal, 
and  few  there  be  that  find  it.  There  are  many  called, 
but  few  chosen — for  though  we  are  blessed  with  being 
called,  yet  if  we  follow  not  when  we  are  called,  and  that 
strictly,  we  do  not  deserve  to  be  called  the  children  of 
God,  for,  as  it  says  in  the  Revelation,  "  He  that  over- 


86  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1799. 

comcth  shall  inherit  all  things,  and  I  will  be  his  God, 
and  he  shall  he  my  son." 

24«7t. — I  feel  this  morning,  as  I  have  felt  lately,  quite  in 
a  hurry  about  what  I  have  to  do  ;  and  I  do  not  think  that 
that  is  the  way  to  do  it  well ;  it  is  better  to  go  soberly  and 
quietly  to  work  about  it,  and  not  to  flurry  and  bluster.  I 
think  this  day  has  not  been  quite  so  idle,  and  I  hope  in  a 
little  degree  I  may  have  done  well.  I  put  some  things  in 
proper  order,  read  history  and  grammar,  wrote  letters  and 
worked.  I  feel  in  rather  a  flat,  silent  state  of  mind.  May 
I  be  thankful  that  opportunity  is  offered  me  to  spend  my 
time  in  doing  something.  May  pride  and  vanity  be  cast  far 
from  me.  May  doing  Thy  will,  be  my  constant  object,  oh 
God !  I  see  Thee  not,  for  Thou  art  invisible,  yet  I  have 
reason  to  believe,  I  am  not  invisible  to  Thee ;  therefore  look 
upon  my  weakness  with  pity,  and  deign  to  strengthen  my 
lukewarm  faith. 

26th. — I  am  rather  in  a  volatile  mind  this  morning,  and 
that  state  which  requires  care.  I  still  feel  as  if  I  could  not 
act  really  and  minutely  well ;  a  sort  of  lukewarmness  that 
leads  to  forgetfulness ;  and  a  flying  off  from  the  centre  in  my 
inmost  heart.  But  weak  as  I  am,  if  I  exert  my  powers,  and 
in  times  of  need  pray  for  more,  and  try  to  turti  out  worldly 
ideas,  till  I  receive  strength  by  waiting  in  stillness  upon  God, 
to  let  His  will  be  done  in  me ;  I  then  shall  find  if  the  arm  of 
the  Lord  be  sufficient  for  me.  But  I  feel  and  know  it  is 
much  easier  to  write  than  practise  ;  for  it  is  hard,  a  very  hard 
matter,  to  wait  quietly  upon  God ;  it  is  for  the  time,  giving 
up  the  world  to  follow  Him.  For  though  I  seldom,  or  ever, 
have  found  more  than  darkness  in  my  own  endeavours  to 
wait,  (and  how  seldom  I  do  it !)  yet  remember,  "  Ask,  and  it 
shall  be  given  thee,  seek  and  thou  shalt  find,  knock,  and  it 
shall  be  opened  unto  thee."  If  I  continue  steady  in  seeking, 
and  will  try  and  pray  to  seek  more  and  more,  the  day  will 
come  when  I  shall  find, — let  me  remember  this.  I  believe,  at 
times,  the  door  has  been  in  mercy  opened,  when  at  the  mo- 


1799.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  87 

ment,  I  have  not  been  knocking,  for  I  have  now  and  then 
tasted  the  beauties  of  holiness ;  but  it  appears  as  if  it  had 
mostly  been  through  others,  or  with  others,  I  have  felt  it. 
But  how  humbly  thankful  should  my  soul  be,  that  my  path 
of  conduct  has  so  far  been  shown  me,  when  I  sought  after  it, 
and  that  I  have  had  my  eyes  anointed  to  see  the  difference 
of  right  and  wrong  in  my  conduct ;  that,  perhaps,  is  enough 
for  me  for  the  present ;  may  I  be  sufficiently  thankful  for  it, 
for  does  it  not  show  that  the  Most  High  has  not  forsaken 
me? 

Eleventh  Month,  Yltli,  First-day. — In  the  evening,  with 
my  children,  I  had  in  some  respects  a  very  comfortable  time ; 
it  was,  at  least,  my  wish  to  act  right  with  them.  In  part  of 
one  of  the  chapters,  I  seemed  carried  through  to  explain 
something  to  them  in  a  way  I  hardly  ever  did  before.  It 
was  striking  the  difference  in  my  power  this  evening,  and 
this  day  week.  This  day  week  I  tried,  and  tried  to  explain, 
and  the  more  I  tried  the  more  I  seemed  to  blunder ;  and  this 
evening  I  was  determined  not  to  attempt  it,  unless  I  felt 
capable,  and  that  I  did,  suddenly  and  unexpectedly  to 
myself ;  I  had  a  flow  of  ideas  come  one  after  another,  in 
a  sweet  and  refreshing  way.  The  rest  of  the  evening  was 
principally  spent  with  Hannah  Scarnell,  talking  about  my 
poor  mother,  who  died  this  day  seven  years. 

26th. — Towards  the  latter  end  of  yesterday  evening  I  had 
some  uncomfortable  mental  feelings,  and  this  morning  they 
really  amounted  to  pain  of  mind.  I  believe  they  were  deep 
and  inward  temptations  of  the  imagination ;  silent  waiting 
upon  God  seemed  my  only  resource,  and  it  was  difficult  to 
do  so ;  it  was  like  a  trial  in  my  mind  between  the  two 
powers.  My  imagination,  I  think,  was  partly  set  at  work 
by  being  nervous,  rather  more  so  than  usual :  and  it  requires 
spiritual  strength  to  overcome  the  painful  workings  of  a 
nervous  imagination.  There  are  few  temptations,  I  believe, 
so  hard  to  overcome,  as  those  that  try  to  put  on  the  appear- 
ance of  duties.  They  are  willing  to  represent  the  Spirit  of 


88  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1799. 

truth  in  our  hearts ;  at  such  times  before  I  act,  try  quietly  to 
wait  upon  God ;  look  to  Him  for  help,  and  when  things  at" 
all  appear  in  the  light  of  duties,  the  thought  of  which  pro- 
duces agony  to  the  soul,  it  requires  much  deliberation  before 
we  act. 

Twelfth  Month,  llth. — In  the  afternoon  I  was  rather 
industrious.  I  was  uncertain  whether  to  go  to  the  Grove 
or  not,  but  at  last  I  fixed  to  do  so.  In  going  there,  I 
observed  the  sweet  states  I  had  experienced  for  being  obe- 
dient. My  path  seemed  clear,  and  my  heart  acknowledged, 
"  I  have  sought,  and  have  found,  I  have  knocked,  and  it  has 
been  opened  unto  me ;"  it  also  appeared  to  me  in  how  beauti- 
ful a  manner  things  work  together  for  good.  After  all  this, 
again  myself  got  the  victory,  and  I  came  home  with  a 
degree  of  remorse,  for  saying  upon  some  subjects  more 
than  I  should  have  said;  how  great  a  virtue  is  silence, 
properly  attended  to  ! 

At  this  time,  Elizabeth  Gurney  had  adopted  the  costume 
and  language  of  Friends;  this  added  to  her  comfort,  and 
spared  her  many  difficulties.  Of  the  truth  of  their  principles 
she  had  been  long  convinced,  and  had  deliberately  chosen 
Quakerism  as  the  future  religious  profession  of  her  life. 

Her  mind  being  thus  established  on  matters  of  the  first 
importance,  was  the  more  prepared  to  entertain  a  subject 
which  now  claimed  her  consideration — proposals  of  marriage 
from  Joseph  Fry ;  at  that  time  engaged  with  his  brother, 
William  Fry,  in  extensive  business  in  London.  Her  timid, 
sensitive  nature  shrunk,  at  first,  from  so  momentous  a 
question,  and  for  a  time  she  seemed  unable,  or  unwilling, 
to  encounter  the  responsibility.  But,  on  the  subject  being 
again  brought  before  her,  whilst  on  a  visit  in  the  neigh- 
bourhood of  London,  it  claimed  her  serious  consideration. 
The  prospect  of  religious  association  in  Joseph  Fry's  family, 
and  of  residing  among  Friends,  offered  great  and  strong  in 
ducements  to  her  to  yield  to  his  solicitations. 


1800.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    PRY.  89 

The  following  entry  in  her  journal  evinces  her  anxious 
desire  to  be  rightly  guided  in  this  important  concern. 

Twelfth  Month,  12th. — I  believe  the  true  state  of  my  mind 
is  as  follows.  I  have,  almost  ever  since  I  have  been  a  little 
under  the  influence  of  religion,  thought  marriage  at  this 
time,  was  not  a  good  thing  for  me;  as  it  might  lead  my 
interests  and  affections  from  that  Source  in  which  they 
should  be  centered,  and  also,  if  I  have  any  active  duties  to 
perform  in  the  church,  if  I  really  follow,  as  far  as  I  am  able, 
the  voice  of  Truth  in  my  heart ;  are  they  not  rather  incom- 
patible with  the  duties  of  a  wife  and  a  mother  ?  And  is  it 
not  safest  to  wait  and  see  what  is  the  probable  course  I  shall 
take  in  this  life,  before  I  enter  into  any  engagement  that 
affects  my  future  career  ?  So  I  think,  and  so  I  have  thought. 
But  to  look  on  the  other  side.  If  Truth  appears  to  tell  me 
I  may  marry,  I  shQuld  leave  the  rest,  and  hope  whatsoever 
my  duties  are,  I  shall  be  able  to  perform  them ;  but  it  is  now 
at  this  time  the  prayer  of  my  heart,  that  if  I  ever  should  be 
a  mother,  I  may  rest  with  my  children,  and  really  find  my 
duties  lead  me  to  them  and  my  husband  ;  and  if  my  duty 
ever  leads  me  from  my  family,  that  it  may  be  in  single  life. 
I  must  leave  all  to  the  wisdom  of  a  superior  Power,  and,  in 
humble  confidence,  pray  for  assistance  both  now  and  for 
evermore,  in  performing  the  divine  will. 

First  Month,  1st,  1800. — This  has  not  been  .one  of  the 
clear  and  bright  days  of  life  :  little  has  been  done,  and  that 
little  as  in  a  nightmare ;  not  feeling  able  to  get  forward,  and 
discouraged.  None  but  one  Being  knows  how  I  spend  my 
time,  and  how  little  I  really  do  in  the  service  of  God ;  but 
I  cannot  quite  judge  myself,  and  I  feel  I  have  complained  too 
much  to-day,  of  the  burdens  of  life,  to  other  people.  My 
uncle  Joseph  was  here,  and  I  felt  my  own  weakness  by  his 
side.  1  had  my  children,  and  found  them  a  great  burden  ; 
at  least,  I  thought  that  I  was  making  more  show  than  reality. 
So  are  my  down-sittings,  and  my  uprisings.  Have  mercy  on 
12 


90  LIFE' OP  ELIZABETH  FRY.          [1800. 

me,  if  Thou  existest,  oh  God  !  forsake  not  one  who  does  wish 
to  trust  in  Thee,  and  to  be  Thy  servant,  in  the  way  Thou 
mayst  see  meet  for  her. 

1th. — This  morning,  at  Meeting,  I  had  rather  a  trying 
time  in  some  respects,  at  least  I  fully  felt  the  disobedient 
state  of  my  own  heart.  I  think,  as  far  as  I  can  judge  from 
past  experience,  my  feelings  were  not  those  of  imagination. 
I  felt,  supposing  it  was  my  duty  to  speak  in  that  Meeting, 
what  would  it  not  be  to  me  ?  and  I  don't  think  I  felt  perfectly 
clear  of  that  awful  duty  ;  not  that  I  now  believe  it  will  be,  at 
this  time,  required  of  me,  but  it  appears  to  me  a  devotion  of 
heart  that  I  must  try  to  attain  ;  or  else  my  lamp  will  not  be 
prepared,  that  I  may  go  when  my  Master  calleth.  I  have 
felt,  and  still  feel,  "  I  cannot  do  it,''  when  required  of  me. 
Almost  as  much  as  that :  though  I  yet  believe,  if  I  were  sure 
it  was  required  by  God,  it  should  be  done,  if  I  had  power ; 
but  in  our  present  state  of  weakness,  we  are  to  see  so  far, 
and  no  farther,  and  we  can  only  act  as  far  as  we,  in  our  great 
weakness,  think  is  the  best  way  for  us.  My  faith  is  as  a 
grain  of  mustard-seed.  But  we  may  all  judge  from  expe- 
rience ;  and  I  think  I  may  truly  say,  that  when  I  have 
followed  the  direction  of  this  Voice  in  my  heart  (those 
feelings  that  may  be  enthusiasm,  or  what  else,)  yet  I  never 
have  failed  to  feel  content  in  doing  so  ;  even  to  be  amply 
rewarded,  and  never  to  have  repented  following  its  dictates, 
but  the  more  I  have  been  wholly  and  humbly  given  up  to 
obey,  the  more  I  have  found  my  foundation  a  stable  one ; 
and  trying  as  it  has  been  sometimes,  yet  after  I  have  gone 
through  the  trial,  reason  and  inclination  and  all  have  ap- 
plauded. But  reason  and  inclination  often  leave  us  in  tha 
day  of  trouble.  However,  to  go  on  with  my  tale.  I  con- 
tinued most  of  the  Meeting  in  this  state,  not  clear  of  this 
awful  duty,  and  yet  by  no  means  seeing  it  right  to  act ;  but 
as  for  that,  I  believe  I  would  hardly  let  it  come  into  my  mind, 
and  into  my  thoughts ;  I  wished  William  Crow  to  preach, 
as  I  do  sometimes,  and  when  he  rose  my  heart  seemed  to  feel 


1800.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  91 

it  was  right  for  him  to  do  so.  He  began  to  speak  of  the  state 
of  some  one  present,  and  did  take  me  surprisingly  home  to 
mine ;  he  mentioned  how  the  ministry  had  come  before  that 
mind ;  but  seemed  to  think  it  was  not  an  immediate  duty, 
but  was  to  be  tried.  So  I  leave  it.  I  am  unwilling  to  think 
any  thing  of  the  kind  would  be  at  present  required  of  me. 
I  believe  it  would  be  a  greater  trial  than  I  can  describe  ;  my 
whole  appearance  being  so  different  from  those  who  are 
generally  ministers  among  us.  But  yet  I  hope,  if  ever 
duty  really  requires  it  of  me,  I  may  do  it,  let  it  be  early  or 
late. 

At  this  time  she  thus  writes  to  a  young  Friend  : — 

True  religion  seems  a  subject  of  that  great  importance, 
that  we  must  not  play  with  it,  either  mentally  or  in  word ; 
perhaps  thou  wilt  think  it  odd,  but  at  seasons  I  am  not  a 
friend  to  too  many  religious  thoughts ;  for  thoughts  are  apt 
to  wander,  and  border  on  imagination.  Religion  is  a  deep 
inward  working  of  the  feelings,  and  of  the  heart ;  we  must 
not  look  too  much  for  bright  light  on  the  surface  of  things, 
but  we  must  humbly  and  quietly  try  to  seek  deep  ;  attending 
to  the  day  of  small  things,  trying  to  be  faithful  in  the  little, 
or  we  cannot  expect  to  be  rulers  over  more.  Seek  for  these 
little  feelings  of  the  heart;  watch,  that  thou  mayst  know 
truly  the  voice  of  thy  Shepherd.  I  feel  this  advice  may  be 
received  by  us  both ;  I  cannot  tell  how  thou  findest  it,  but 
this  voice  has  at  times  led  me  into  trials ;  but  where  I  have 
followed,  truly  I  may  say  I  have  had  my  reward ;  where  I 
have  not,  then  I  have  felt  the  good  part  within  me  weak- 
ened. I  believe  our  temptations  may  be  different,  but  the 
deeper  I  dig  in  my  own  mind,  the  clearer  I  see  how  I  am 
surrounded  with  them ;  I  can  hardly  bear  to  feel  them,  and 
to  observe  them ;  but  that  light,  which  I  deeply  sought,  has 
shown  me  the  danger ;  and,  as  a  friend  of  mine  wrote  to  mo 
the  other  day,  "  in  vain  is  the  snare  laid  in  the  sight  of  the 


92  LIFE   OP   ELIZABETH   PRY.  [1800. 

bird."  By  thus  seeking,  may  we  truly  find  the  road  that 
leadeth  unto  salvation.  Fare  thee  well ! 

Second  Month,  9th. — In  the  evening,  my  father  brought 
two  Friends  with  him  and  Lawrence  Candler.  As  I  was 
reading  to  my  children  in  the  laundry,  my  father  brought 
them  all  in ;  when  I  had  finished  reading  in  the  Testament 
we  were  all  silent,  and  soon  John  Kirkham  knelt  down  in 
prayer,  and  we  all  rose  up ;  it  was  a  very  solemn  time ;  my 
heart  was  not  much  moved,  but  I  believe  many  of  my  dear 
children  were  much  affected  by  it ;  he  then  preached  to  them, 
and  it  was  surprising  to  me  to  see  how  much  it  seems  the 
same  Spirit  that  works  in  all ;  and  how  solemn  a  thing  it  is 
to  preach  and  pray  only  from  authority,  and  how  very  dif- 
ferent an  effect  it  has  on  the  mind  to  other  advice  ;  however, 
it  was  an  encouraging  thing,  and  I  hope  it  will  not  be  passed 
over  by  me,  or  the  children. 

\\th. — How  much  I  wished,  almost  prayed,  I  may  one 
day  be  a  perfect  sacrifice,  wholly  given  up  to  the  service  of 
God. 

18th.— Time  will  tell,  if  what  "  Friends"  have  told  me 
will  be  true,  that  I  shall  one  day  be  different  from  what  I 
am ;  indeed,  taste  of  the  beautiful  comfort  and  support  of 
true  religion,  and  not  only  receive  myself,  but  be  an  instru- 
ment in  giving  to  others ;  and  that  my  own  beloved  family 
will  feel  support  in  me,  and  in  a  degree  do  as  I  may  have 
done,  or  that  my  principles  will  spread.  None  but  One 
knows  my  heart,  and  my  most  deep  wishes,  nay,  I  may 
almost  say  prayers,  that  I  may,  in  whatever  way  it  may  be, 
do  to  my  utmost  the  will  of  God ;  may  I  not  faint  in  the 
day  of  trial  and  tribulation ;  and  may  self  not  be  exalted 
in  the  day  of  prosperity. 

At  this  time  Elizabeth  Gurney's  attention  was  seriously 
fixed  on  the  proposal  that  had  been  brought  under  her 
consideration,  in  reference  to  the  most  important  change  in 
her  external  circumstances.  And  the  following  letter,  ad- 


1800.]  LIFEOFBLIZABETHFRl.  03 

dressed  by  her  to  her  much  valued  friend  and  relative, 
Joseph  Gurney  Bevan,  marks  her  deep  solicitude  to  attain 
best  direction : — 

Clapham,  Fourth  Month,  1800. 
My  dearest  Cousin, 

It  is  not  pleasant  to  me,  having  a  subject  that  now  is 
of  no  small  importance  to  me,  unknown  to  thee,  for  I  feel  thce 
to  be,  and  love  thee  as  my  kind  friend.  Some  time  ago, 
Joseph  Fry,  youngest  son  of  William  Storrs  Fry  of  London, 
paid  us  a  visit  at  Earlham,  and  made  me  an  offer  of  marriage. 
Since  our  stay  in  this  neighbourhood,  he  has  renewed  his 
addresses.  I  have  had  many  doubts,  many  risings  and 
fallings  about  the  affair.  My  most  anxious  wish  is,  that  I 
may  not  hinder  my  spiritual  welfare,  which  I  have  so  much 
feared,  as  to  make  me  often  doubt  if  marriage  were  a  desirable 
thing  for  me  at  this  time,  or  even  the  thoughts  of  it ;  but  as 
I  wish  (at  least  I  think  I  wish),  in  this,  as  in  other  things, 
beyond  every  thing  else,  to  do  the  will  of  God,  I  hope  that 
I  shall  be  shown  the  path  right  for  me  to  walk  in.  I  do  not 
think  I  could  have  refused  him,  with  a  proper  authority,  at 
this  time.  If  I  am  to  marry  before  very  long,  it  overturns 
my  theories,  and  may  teach  me  that  the  ways  of  the  Lord  are 
unsearchable  ;  and  that  I  am  not  to  draw  out  a  path  of  right 
for  myself,  but  to  look  to  the  One  who  only  knows  what  is 
really  good  for  me ;  but  the  idea  of  leaving  my  station  at 
home  is  to  me  surprising,  as  I  had  not  thought  that  it  would 
have  been  the  case,  arid  perhaps  it  may  not  now  happen,  but 
it  does  not  seem  improbable.  How  anxiously  do  I  desire  I 
may  through  all,  strive  after  the  knowledge  of  God,  and  one 
day,  if  it  be  right,  obtain  it.  Excuse  this  hasty  scrawl,  and 
believe  me,  my  dear  cousin,  thy  very  affectionate, 

E.  GUUNEY. 

Earlham,  Fifth  Month,  30<A. — I  have  written  lately  many 
melancholy  journals,  and  I  seem  rather  inclined  this  morning 
gratefully  to  mention  the  calm  and  sweet  state  I  feel  in. 


94  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1800. 

Even  if  the  feelings  be  but  for  this  time,  it  is  a  blessing  to 
have  them.  My  feelings  towards  Joseph  are  so  calm  and 
pleasant,  and  I  can  look  forward  with  so  much  cheerfulness 
to  a  connexion  with  him. 

Sixth  Month,  6th. — I  felt  rather  nervous  and  weak  this 
morning.  I  wrote  to  Eliza  Fry,  and  worked  and  talked.  I 
might  talk  too  much.  I  received  a  letter  I  liked  from  Joseph, 
and  answered  it  this  afternoon.  I  felt  unwilling  to  represent 
my  own  faults  to  him,  although  I  told  him  how  faulty  I  was, 
yet  it  is  much  more  unpleasant  to  acknowledge  any  real  fault 
committed,  than  the  natural  inclination  to  faults. 

9th. — I  have  been  busy  to-day  without  doing  much.  They 
all  went  out  about  twelve.  I  then  put  my  poor  people's 
things  in  a  little  order,  and  cut  out  linen  till  dinner,  and 
from  dinner  till  tea.  I  am  slow  in  what  I  do.  I  have 
thought  seriously  upon  becoming  mistress  of  a  house.  I 
look  in  that,  as  in  other  things,  that  principle  may  be  my 
support,  for  it  leads  and  supports  even  in  the  smallest 
occurrences  of  life.  The  preparations  of  clothing,  &c., 
&c.,  as  they  lead  me  into  the  little  things  for  which  I  have 
a  taste,  if  I  do  not  take  care  may  hurt  me,  and  yet  they  are 
both  pleasant  and  interesting  to  me. 

Vlth. — My  state  is  a  truly  comfortable  one  this  morning, 
such  peace  of  mind  and  body.  I  seem  to  have  at  present  no 
cloud  over  me — so  calm,  so  easy — partly  owing  to  having 
lately  felt  so  much  bodily  pain,  ease  and  rest  are  peculiarly 
pleasant ;  let  it  be  an  encouragement  to  me,  next  time  pain 
or  sorrow  surrounds  me,  that  even  when  heavily  clouded,  the 
sun  may  not  be  far  off;  may  enjoying  this  sort  of  peace  lead 
me  to  long  for  a  more  durable  and  lasting  one,  and  may  it 
stimulate  me  with  more  vigour  to  seek  after  it,  by  more 
frequent,  patient  waiting  upon  God,  and  may  I  experience 
an  increasing  willingness  to  take  up  the  cross  when  called 
to  do  so. 

Eighth  Month,  4th. — This  has  been  a  comfortable  day  to 
me.  I  have  been  busy,  and  a  little  gone  on  in  my  old  plans ; 


1800.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  95 

I  have  great  hopes  of  leaving  all  things  in  good  order,  which 
is  a  relief  to  me.  It  is  a  blessing  indeed  to  feel  thus  healthy 
in  mind  and  hody  ;  for  I  think  we  are  subject  to  mental  dis- 
eases, that  are  not  in  our  power  any  more  than  bodily  ones, 
and  that  require  our  patience ;  although  it  is  our  duty  in  both 
mental  and  bodily  maladies,  to  do  our  utmost  to  overcome 
them. 

12th. — This  morning  the  Fellowes  were  here;  nothing 
particular  happened  till  evening,  when  all  my  poor  children 
came ;  it  was  rather  a  melancholy  time  to  me.  After  having 
enjoyed  themselves  with  playing  about,  I  took  them  to  the 
summer-house,  and  bade  them  farewell ;  there  were  about 
eighty -six  of  them  ;  many  of  them  wept ;  I  felt  rather  coldly 
when  with  them,  but  when  they  went  away,  I  shed  my  tears 
also  ;  and  then  my  desires  took  the  turn  of  anxiously  longing 
for  the  spiritual  welfare  of  all  of  us,  as  a  family. 


1800—1809.  Marriage— First  visit  to  Plashet— Settlement  in  Lon- 
don— Letter  to  a  Friend — Yearly  Meeting — Birth  of  the  eldest  child, 
1801 — Journey  into  the  North  of  England — Second  daughter,  born 
1803 — Birth  of  eldest  son,  1804 ;  illness  and  journey  to  Bath — Her 
second  son,  born  1806 — Death  of  her  mother-in-law — Birth  of  her 
fifth  child,  1808 — Letter  to  John  Gurney  and  his  -wife — Death  of 
the  latter — Death  of  her  father-in-law. 

THE  marriage  of  Joseph  Fry  and  Elizabeth  Gurney  took 
place  on  the  19th  of  Eighth  Month,  1800,  at  Friends'  Meet- 
ing House  in  Norwich;  her  own  description  of  the  day 
is  : — 

I  awoke  in  a  sort  of  terror  at  the  prospect  before  me,  but 
soon  gained  quietness  and  something  of  cheerfulness ;  after 
dressing,  we  set  off  for  Meeting;  I  was  altogether  comfort- 
able. The  Meeting  was  crowded :  I  felt  serious,  and  looking 
in  measure  to  the  only  sure  place  for  support.  It  was  to  me  a 
truly  solemn  time ;  I  felt  every  word,  and  not  only  felt,  but 
in  my  manner  of  speaking  expressed  how  I  felt ;  Joseph  also 
spoke  well.  Most  solemn  it  truly  was.  After  we  sat  silent 
some  Iitt4e  time,  a  female  Friend  knelt  down  in  prayer,  my 
heart  prayed  with  her.  I  believe  words  are  inadequate  to 
describe  the  feelings  on  such  an  occasion ;  I  wept  good  part 
of  the  time,  and  my  beloved  father  seemed  as  much  over- 
come as  I  was.  The  day  passed  off  well,  and  I  think  I  was 
very  comfortably  supported  under  it,  although  cold  hands 
and  a  beating  heart  were  often  my  lot. 

Leaving  the  home  of  her  childhood  was  a  great  effort  to 
(96) 


1800.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  97 

her.     Driving  through  Norwich  for  the  last  time,  as  a  resi- 
dence, "  the  very  stones  of  the  streets  seemed  dear"  to  her. 
On  the  31st  of  the  same  month,  she  says : — 

We  arrived  at  Plashet  about  three  o'clock ;  it  was  strange 
to  me.  I  was  much  pleased  with  the  place,  and  admired  the 
kindness  of  its  inhabitants. 

Her  home,  however,  was  for  some  years,  to  be  in  scenes 
far  less  congenial  to  her  early  habits,  than  Plashet  House, 
in  Essex ;  then  the  residence  of  her  husband's  parents.  It 
was  a  much  more  prevailing  custom  in  that  day,  than  it  is 
now,  for  the  junior  partner  to  reside  in  the  house  of  busi- 
ness, in  conformity  with  which,  Joseph  and  Elizabeth  Fry 
prepared  to  establish  themselves  in  Mildred's  Court,  in  the 
city  of  London.  The  house  was  large,  airy,  commodious, 
and  what,  in  the  city,  is  a  still  more  rare  advantage,  quiet ; 
and  continued  to  be  an  occasional  residence  of  different 
members  of  the  family,  till  it  was  pulled  down  in  consequence 
of  alterations  in  London. 

Elizabeth  Fry  was,  by  her  marriage,  brought  into  com- 
pletely new  circumstances  ;  her  husband's  family  had  been 
members  of  the  Society  of  Friends,  since  an  early  period  after 
its  foundation.  In  this  it  resembled  that  of  the  Gurney's  : 
but  unlike  her  own  parents,  her  father  and  mother-in-law 
adhered  strictly  to  the  habits  of  Friends,  and  she  was  sur- 
rounded by  a  large  circle  of  new  connections  and  acquaint- 
ance who  differed  from  her  own  early  associates,  in  being 
almost  exclusively  of  the  same  decided  class.  This,  for  a 
time,  brought  her  into  occasional  difficulty,  and  even  trial, 
from  the  incongruities  of  the  parties  assembled  at  her  house ; 
formed  of  her  own  tenderly  beloved  family  and  near  con- 
nections (few  of  whom  were  inclined  to  walk  in  the  same  path 
as  that  into  which  she  had  been  led),  and  tho  members  of 
the  Society  to  which  she  had  become  so  closely  united  in 
religious  profession ;  anci  earnest  were  her  desires  to  be 
13 


98  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1800. 

preserved  from,  in  any  degree,  swerving  from  the  line  of 
duty. 

George  Dilwyn,  a  Friend  from  America,  who  was  engaged 
in  religious  service  in  London,  as  a  minister  of  the  Gospel, 
became  their  guest  on  the  7th  of  the  Eleventh  Month,  only 
a  few  days  after  the  young  married  pair  had  arrived  at  their 
home ;  he  remained  with  them  for  several  weeks,  and  his 
company  appears  to  have  been  useful  and  agreeable  to  them ; 
although  his  presence  brought  the  bride  into  difficulty,  on  a 
point  that,  at  the  present  time,  seems  almost  inconceivable, 
that  of  reading  the  Holy  Scriptures  aloud  in  the  morning. 
Family  devotion,  amongst  all  persuasions,  was  much  less 
common  at  that  period  than  it  is  now;  and  the  habit  of 
assembling  the  household  at  a  stated  hour  daily,  for  this  reli- 
gious duty,  had  not  been  observed  at  Mildred's  Court.  The 
servants  of  that  establishment  were  not,  until  some  years 
afterwards,  partakers  of  this  privilege ;  and  Elizabeth  Fry, 
whilst  believing  it  to  be  incumbent  on  her  to  introduce  the 
practice,  shrunk  from  attempting  it,  especially  in  the  pres- 
ence of  one  like  George  Dilwyn,  to  whom  she  looked  up  with 
a  degree  of  fear. 

Mildred's  Court,  Tenth  Month,  30£ h.— After  breakfast,  my 
husband  and  I  set  off  from  Plashet  in  my  father's  coach,  with 
nurse  Barns,  for  Mildred's  Court.  I  felt  rather  low  at  the 
prospect  before  me,  and  more  so  when  I  saw  the  state  of  the 
house  ;  confusion  in  every  part.  I  had  a  bed-room  turned 
into  a  sitting-room,  put  in  order,  and  then  went  and  put 
myself  in  order  for  dinner  ;  our  brother  William  dined  with 
us.  I  spent  rather  a  pleasant  afternoon,  which  is  to  me  quite 
a  rarity.  Joseph  and  I  had  a  comfortable  evening.  Both, 
I  believe,  feeling  the  true  comfort,  I  may  say  blessing,  of 
being,  at  last,  quiet  in  our  owii  house.  All  seemed  to  shine 
upon  us.  May  we  mutually  endeavour  to  hold  all  in  subser- 
vience to  that  Being,  to  whom  all  our  thoughts,  wishes,  and 
actions,  are  known.  I  sometimes  feel  the  self-interestedness 


1800.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  99 

of  wishing  to  be  good,  for,  after  all,  what  earthly  enjoyment 
is  like  it  ?  may  we  not  stop  short  in  our  career,  but  try  to 
run  the  race  that  is  set  before  us. 

Eleventh  Month,  1th. — George  Dilwyn  came  to-day;  I 
feel  almost  overcome  with  my  own  weakness,  when  with  such 
people. 

\\ih. — After  breakfast,  I  believed  it  better  to  propose 
reading  in  the  Bible,  but  I  felt  doing  it,  particularly  as  my 
brother  William  was  here ;  not  liking  the  appearance  of 
young  people,  like  us,  appearing  to  profess  more  than  they 
who  had  lived  here  before  us.  However  I  put  off,  and  put 
off,  till  both  William  and  Joseph  went  down ;  I  then  felt 
uneasy  under  it,  and  when  Joseph  came  back  I  told  him,  as 
I  did  before,  what  I  wished ;  he,  at  last,  sat  down,  having 
told  George  Dilwyn  my  desire.  I  began  to  read  the  46th 
Psalm,  but  was  so  overcome  that  I  could  hardly  read,  and 
gave  it  to  Joseph  to  finish. 

12th. — I  rather  felt  this  morning  it  would  have  been  right 
for  me  to  read  the  Bible  again,  and  stop  George  Dilwyn  and 
Joseph  reading  something  else.  Now  stopping  G.  D.  was  a 
difficult  thing ;  for  a  person  like  me  to  remind  him !  how- 
ever I  did  not  fully  do  as  I  thought  right,  for  I  did  not  openly 
tell  G.  D.  we  were  going  to  read,  but  spoke  to  my  husband, 
so  as  for  him  to  hear ;  then  -he  read,  I  knowing  I  had  not 
done  my  best. 

14th. — I  again  felt  some  difficulty  at  reading  the  Bible  ; 
however  I  got  through  well.  George  Dilwyn  encouraging 
me,  by  saying,  he  thought  I  portioned  the  reading  well. 
After  a  little  bustling  we  set  off  for  Hampstead.  I  was  there 

told  by ,  he  thought  my  manners  had  too  much  of  the 

courtier  in  them,  which  I  know  to  be  the  case,  for  my  dis- 
position leads  me  to  hurt  no  one,  that  I  can  avoid :  and  I  do 
sometimes  but  just  keep  to  truth  with  people,  from  a  natural 
yielding  to  them  in  such  things  as  please  them.  I  think 
doing  so  in  moderation,  is  pleasant  and  useful  in  society. 
It  is  amonget  the  things  that  produce  the  harmony  of 


100  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1800. 

society ;  for  the  truth  must  not  he  spoken  out  at  all  times, 
at  least  not  the  whole  truth.  I  will  give  an  instance  of  what 
I  mean.  Suppose  any  one  was  to  show  me  the  colour  of  a 
room,  that  I  thought  pretty,  I  should  say  so,  although  I 
thought  others  more  so,  and  omit  saying  that ;  perhaps  I  am 
wrong,  I  do  not  know  if  I  be  not,  but  it  will  not  always  do 
to  tell  our  minds.  This  I  have  observed  (and  I  am  sorry  for 
it),  that  I  feel  it  hard,  when  duty  dictates,  to  do  what  I  think 
may  hurt  others.  I  believe  this  feeling  of  mine  originates 
in  self-love,  from  the  dislike  of  being  myself  the  cause  of 
pain  and  uneasiness. 

15th. — George  Dilwyn  said,  for  our  encouragement  this 
morning,  that  he  had  seen,  since  he  had  been  with  us,  the 
efficacy  of  reading  in  the  Bible  the  first  thing, — he  thought 
it  a  good  beginning  for  the  day. 

19fA. — Dear  Kitty  and  Priscilla  came  this  afternoon  ;  I 
felt  a  good  deal  at  seeing  them.  How  dear  they  are  to  me ! 
George  Dilwyn  came  home  this  evening ;  and  it  was  rather 
odd,  but  we  fell  into  unusually  interesting  conversation. 

2,2nd. — I  think  I  have  tried  to  do  better  to-day,  and  a  bad 
cold  has  prevented  my  saying  much,  which  is  so  often  a 
stumbling-block,  for  that  little  member,  the  tongue,  is  very 
hard  to  command ;  until  the  root  be  mended,  I  cannot 
expect  the  branches  to  flourish,  or  to  bring  forth  much  fruit. 
Thoughts,  words,  and  actions,  appear  to  spring  from  a  cor- 
rupt source.  I  feel  my  sisters  a  lesson  to  me,  they  seem  so 
much  more  virtuous. 

Twelfth  Month,  1st. — We  dined  at  the  Barclays'  to-day ; 
I  felt  it  pleasant  being  at  Clapham,  although  the  change  of 
society  I  have,  is  at  times  a  trial ;  it  requires  much  strength 
to  be  on  one's  guard. 

5th — To-day,  we  had  the  W s  and  C s,  to  dinner. 

We  provided  handsomely,  but  I  much  disapprove  of  a  lux- 
urious table ;  as  superfluity  at  table  appears  to  me  as  bad, 
if  not  worse  than  other  things. 

8th. — I  value  being  alone  with  my  husband ;  it  is  a  quiet 


1800.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FEY.  101 

that  I  have  not  lately  enjoyed,  and  it  does  seem  to  me,  at  this 
time,  one  of  the  great  blessings  of  life ;  talking  of  bless- 
ings, am  I  not  ungrateful,  when  thus  surrounded  with  them, 
to  be  wishing  for  more  ?  it  is  a  pity ! 

9th. — Anna  Savery  drank  tea  here  ;  we  had  not  sat  long 
after  tea,  before  we  fell  into  silence.  During  the  time,  I 
first  felt  a  sort  of  anxiety  for  the  welfare  of  us  young  travel- 
lers, and  it  came  strongly  across  my  mind,  Is  it  not  my  duty 
openly  to  express  it  ?  this  put  me  into  an  agitation  not  easily 
to  be  described ;  and  I  continued  in  this  state,  which  was  a 
truly  painful  one,  nearly  feeling  it  my  duty  to  pray  aloud  for 
us  ;  oh,  how  hard  it  did  seem !  I  tried  to  run  from  it,  but  I 
found  the  most  safety  in  trying  to  wait  upon  God  ;  hoping, 
if  it  were  imagination,  to  overcome  it ;  if  it  were  duty,  that  1 
might  be  obedient.  Towards  the  latter  end,  I  felt  more  in- 
clined towards  obedience.  But  what  an  obstacle  is  my  not 
holding  my  will  in  subserviency  to  that  of  my  Maker ;  for 
perhaps,  after  all,  it  was  only  a  trial  of  my  obedience,  that 
would  not  have  been  called  for,  but  to  show  me  how  far  I 
was  from  a  resigned  state  of  heart.  I  felt  oppressed  the  rest 
of  the  evening. 

I0th. — I  awoke  in  a  burdened  state  of  mind  ;  I  thought 
it  better  to  relieve  it  to  my  dear  husband,  and  found  comfort 
in  doing  so ;  he  warned  me  against  imagination.  I  must  try 
to  trust  in  the  Lord,  and  I  hope  to  find  safety.  I  felt  quite 
in  a  state  of  agitation  till  we  went  to  Meeting ;  it  made  me 
feel  almost  ill  in  body,  both  last  night  and  this  morning; 
however  my  mind  was  sweetly  calmed  in  the  Meeting,  and  I 
felt  vastly  relieved  from  my  terrors,  and  a  little  love  and 
trusting  in  the  Heavenly  Master.  I  was  almost  ready  to  do 
whatever  might  be  right  for  me.  Oh !  may  I  give  up  to 
what  is  called  for  at  my  hand,  ami  may  I  not  be  deceived, 
but  follow  the  true  Shepherd,  for  my  feet  seem  much  in- 
clined to  wander ! 

14th. — I  attended  both  Meetings  as  usual,  and,  as  usual,  I 
came  from  them,  flat  and  discouraged.  To  attend  our  place 


102  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1800. 

of  worship,  and  there  spend  almost  all  the  time  in  worldly 
thoughts,  is,  I  fear,  too  great  a  mark  of  how  my  time  is 
mostly  spent ;  indeed,  my  life  appears,  at  this  time,  to  be 
spent  to  little  more  purpose  than  eating,  drinking,  sleeping, 
and  clothing  myself.  But  if  we  analyze  the  employment  of 
most,  what  do  they  more  than,  in  some  way?  attend  to  the 
bodily  wants  of  themselves  or  others?  What  is  our  work, 
the  good  we  do  to  the  poor,  &c.,  &c.,  but  for  the  body  ! 

In  reply  to  the  letter  of  a  Friend,  Elizabeth  Fry,  at  this 
period,  thus  describes  her  own  state  of  mind,  and  anxiety 
for  spiritual  advance  : — 

Mildred's  Court,  First  Month,  1801. 

In  referring  to  thy  former  letter,  I  remembered  thou  there 
hailed  me  as  a  fellow-traveller  towards  a  better  country ;  and 
I  remember  feeling  encouragement  from  it :  I  am  doubtful 
how  far  thou  couldest  now  do  so,  but  I  trust,  although  I  see 
little,  and  feel  hardly  anything  of  good  in  my  own  mind, 
that  I  am  not  yet  quite  forsaken,  as  one  dead  to  good  works. 
I  am  at  times  ready  to  feel,  what  shall  I  do  ?  for  if  I  were 
sure  this  state  was  out  of  my  own  power,  I  needed  only 
quietly  rest,  hoping  for  better  times :  but  my  fear  is,  that, 
from  want  of  more  watchfulness,  I  am  so  continually  devoted 
to  things  of  this  world,  as  to  blind  my  spiritual  sight  from 
observing  things  belonging  to  the  other.  There  are  times 
when  my  anxiety  for  good  is  great  indeed,  and  for  a  short 
time,  it  is  my  endeavour  to  seek  strength  where  I  hope  to 
find  it ;  but  alas  !  my  good  wishes  and  good  endeavours  are 
of  short,  very  short  duration.  I  often  remember  that  part  of 
Scripture  (more  particularly  at  Meeting)  where  our  Saviour 
says  to  Simon,  "  Couldest  not  thou  watch  with  me  one  hour  ?" 
I  feel  able  to  draw  some  consolation  from  what  I  here  read, 
when  I  see  that  others  so  great  and  good  have  found  it  hard 
to  do  so ;  but  I  experience  the  force  of  the  question.  I  have, 
at  times,  great  fears  that  I  may  be  led  astray  in  matters  of 


1801.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  103 

the  first  importance,  for  there  is  a  power  that  will,  at  times, 
deceive  the  unwary  mind,  for  we  may  remember  it  can  even 
put  on  the  appearance  of  an  angel  of  light.  It  was  my  lot, 
in  very  early  life,  to  be  much  in  company  with  Deists,  and 
to  be  rather  a  warm  advocate  of  their  doctrines.  I  now,  in 
many  shapes,  feel  myself  touched  with  these  early  imbibed 
opinions  ;  for  it  appears  to  be  that,  unless  I  be,  by  a  very 
superior  power,  really  lifted  above  these  opinions,  my  poor 
weak  nature  is  apt  to  doubt  almost  everything.  How  poor 
is  the  enjoyment,  how  dark  is  our  prospect,  when  the  en- 
lightening rays  of  true  religion  are  taken  from  us  !  I  did  not 
expect  thus  to  have  opened  my  heart  to  thee,  but  one  thing 
led  on  to  another.  I  now  and  then  remember  a  remark  of 
thine,  and  thou  believed  a  soul  was  still  living  to  that  which 
is  good,  whilst  it  partook  of  that  unity,  that  the  poor  tra- 
vellers Zion-ward  are  favoured  to  feel  towards  each  other ;  I 
have  sometimes  hoped,  when  thinking  of  it,  that  I  am  not 
yet  quite  dead  to  such  things ;  as  I  feel  my  heart  nearly 
drawn  towards  some  of  those  whom  I  believe  to  be  truly 
making  progress  in  this  blessed  journey,  and  while  I,  at 
times,  so  peculiarly  love  the  disciple,  I  hope  I  am  not  an 
enemy  to  the  Master. 

First  Month,  11th,  1801. — I  attended  both  Meetings ;  what 
wishes  I  had  at  moments  for  good !  and  how  surprisingly 
ineffectual  they  were ! 

15th. — I  set  off  early  for  Newington,  to  see  J.  G.  Bevan, 
•who  I  heard  was  poorly.  I  think  my  visit  answered.  I  met 
with  a  very  kind  reception,  and  he  appeared  pleased  to  see 
me.  He  proposed  to  me  reading  with  the  family  on  First- 
day  evening  ;  which  is  what  I  have  often  thought  of,  but  do 
not  wish  to  practise,  until  my  husband  and  I  are  unitedly 
clearer  on  the  subject. 

Second  Month,  3rd. — This  morning,  after  writing  notes, 
&c.,  &c.,  I  walked  out  and  went  to  see  a  poor  woman  whom 
I  half  like,  and  half  do  not,  as  there  is  something  in  her 


104  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1801. 

very  odd ;  however,  I  spent  much  time  about  her.  I  then 
read  the  letters  from  home,  which  were  comfortable  and 
satisfactory.  I  was  just  dressed  for  company ;  we  had  a 
rather  pleasant  visit,  but  I  think,  of  late,  I  more  and  more 
dislike  society  of  every  kind,  I  really  wish  for  a  more  re- 
tired life ;  my  present  constant  liability  to  company  seems 
too  much  for  my  weak  mind. 

4th. — I  went  to  Meeting  as  usual :  Sarah  Lynes  mentioned 
to  the  Meeting  the  manner  in  which  she  had  accomplished 
her  late  journey,  and  the  feelings  of  reward  she  experienced ; 
her  account  struck  me  very  much  ;  her  influence  was,  on  me 
at  least,  truly  pleasant  and  satisfactory.  She  afterwards 
named  her  concern  to  visit  some  Meetings  in  the  City  of 
London,  which  was  also  done  with  remarkable  simplicity, 
and  I  may  say,  almost  humility.  I  longed  for  her  continued 
good,  and  almost  prayed  she  might  be  kept  in  a  state  of 
humility.  For  striking  is  it  how  liable,  at  all  stages,  we  are 
to  fall.  I  almost  longed  for  the  good  of  the  religious,  as  of 
some  far  distant  from  me.  Before  the  Monthly  Meeting 
finished,  Mary  Bevan  got  up  and  addressed  herself  to  the 
young  women,  saying  we  were  not  to  be  discouraged  at  not 
being  called  like  her  (Sarah  Lynes),  but  that  all  who  en- 
deavoured to  perform  their  duty,  should  and  would  equally 
meet  with  their  reward.  I  felt  much,  and  longed  for  good. 
I  think  myself  at  this  time  on  rather  dangerous  ground,  for 
retirement  of  mind,  or  that  necessary  watchfulness  which 
keeps  us  poor  mortals  out  of  danger,  is  what  I  am  nearly  a 
stranger  to  ;  and  in  a  state  of  deadness  to  religion,  that  has 
lately  been  my  experience,  I  am  also  tried  by  great  fears 
about  what  duty  may  call  me  to.  If  these  be  fears  of  my 
own  imagination,  how  much  is  truth  wanted  to  overcome 
them.  Seek,  seek,  until  I  find,  and  do  not  give  up  till  the 
last! 

Tliird  Month,  15th. — I  felt  really  better  this  morning 
(alluding  to  previous  indisposition)  and  went  to  Meeting, 
but  all  my  small  efforts  to  quiet  my  thoughts  were  ineffectual ; 


1801.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  105 

the  same  in  the  afternoon ;  it  is  very  serious.  Really  when 
I  awake  in  the  morning  I  feel  a  flatness ;  when  I  find  my 
great  object  of  the  day  no  longer  appears  to  be  even  to  wish 
to  do  the  will  of  my  Creator.  But  I  am  as  one  who  has,  in 
some  measure,  lost  his  pilot,  and  is  tossed  about  by  the 
waves  of  the  world.  But  I  trust  that  there  is  yet  a  power 
that  will  prevent  my  drowning  :  I  draw  some  consolation 
from  my  dreams  of  old,  for  how  often  was  I  near  drowning, 
and  yet  at  last  saved. 

1.1th. — Mary  Ann  Galton  arrived  to-day,  every  room  in 
our  house  was  full,  and  altogether,  with  the  tooth-ache,  I 
have  hardly  had  spirit  to  go  through  it  comfortably. 

~LSth. — We  had  a  large  dinner-party;  I  felt  unusually 
poorly  and  nervous  at  dinner,  being  fagged  with  tooth-ache 
and  the  numbers  around  me. 

21st. — This  morning  I  proposed  to  my  father  to  take  us  to 
Richmond  Hill,  as  we  had  never  been  there.  After  some 
doubting  we  agreed  to  go,  and  we  set  off;  before  we  left 
London  it  rained  violently,  but  we  persevered, — I  was  fully 
of  the  mind  it  was  better  to  do  so ;  but  hardly  expressed  it 
enough,  for  I  make  myself  appear  almost  weak  by  my  fear  of 
other  people.  I  feel,  with  my  father,  almost  always  a  diffi- 
culty in  boldly  doing  what  I  think  right.  One  great  plea- 
sure in  the  day  has  been  being  so  much  with  him,  and  I  havo 
quite  enjoyed  his  company.  The  views  and  country  were 
delightful ;  it  appeared  to  do  me  good  once  more  to  look 
at  the  beauties  of  nature,  and  to  see  the  little  lambs,  and  all 
was  very  pleasant. 

25th. — I  feel  almost  overcome  with  the  multiplicity  of 
visitings  and  goings  out. 

Fourth  Month,  9th. — We  set  off  this  morning  on  our 
journey  to  Norfolk.  I  felt  leaving  my  dearest  husband. 
The  beauties  of  nature  were  striking — violets  and  primroses 
quite  decorated  the  hedges. 

Fifth  Month,  8th. — Of  late  I  havo  been  cumbered  with  the 
little  things  in  life  that  are  not  worth  being  worried  about. 
14 


106  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1801. 

I  have  fixed  dinners  for  the  Yearly  Meeting  with  Jane 
King. 

During  the  fortnight  occupied  by  the  Yearly  Meeting, 
Mildred's  Court  was,  according  to  a  very  general  custom 
among  the  Society,  an  open  house  for  the  reception  of  the 
Friends  assembled  in  London  on  that  occasion,  from  all 
parts  of  the  kingdom:  some  were  inmates  there  during 
the  time,  whilst  the  parties  at  dinner  were  generally  very 
numerous. 

Fifth  Month,  15th. — We  went  in  the  evening  to  see  a 
Friend  (Joseph  Lancaster),  who  kept  a  school  for  poor  chil- 
dren. I  felt  a  wish  that  the  young  man  might  be  preserved 
in  humility ;  for  I  know,  from  experience,  it  is  a  hard  matter, 
when  we  have  the  apparent  approbation  of  many,  and  more 
particularly  of  those  whom  we  esteem. 

16th. — I  was  rather  busy  this  morning.  After  dinner,  our 
dear  cousin  Priscilla  arrived ;  I  felt  seeing  her,  I  love  her 
very  much;  being  with  such,  has  a  great  effect  on  me, 
where  they  interest  me  as  she  does  ;  but  may  I  not  be  led 
by  man,  but  by  his  Maker. 

27th. — I  went  to  Gracechurch  Street  Meeting  this  morn- 
ing, and  to  the  Meeting  of  Discipline  in  the  afternoon, 
which  tired  me. 

29th. — After  dinner,  we  attended  our  Women's  Meeting, 
at  four  o'clock,  which  lasted  till  nearly  eight  o'clock,  it  was 
to  me  very  long  and  very  tedious ;  indeed  it  may  be,  and  I 
doubt  not  is  in  great  part  my  own  weakness ;  but  to  hold 
fast  my  faith,  I  found  in  this  Yearly  Meeting,  no  instrument 
ought  to  be  looked  to.  I  am  afresh  come  to  this  conclusion, 
that  only  the  clear  dictates  of  duty  should  lead  us  to  act, 
even  in  matters  of  religion ;  that  we  should  be  very  careful 
in  expressing  even  a  religious  sentiment,  without  great 
clearness,  and  more  particularly  where  others  are  concerned. 
How  exceeding  cautiously  should  religious  advice  be  given 


1801.]  LIFE    6F    ELIZABETH    FRY.  107 

to  others  !  it  should  not  be  done,  without  strong  and  clear 
feelings  of  duty,  for  I  know  from  experience,  such  things 
are  apt,  even  if  they  be  given  as  encouragement,  to  dis- 
courage or  weaken  the  feeble  mind,  if  out  of  place ;  I  believe 
it  better  to  do  too  little  than  too  much  in  them.  Notwith- 
standing the  many  remarks  that  I  have  made,  I  trust  I  shall, 
in  the  end,  be  better  for  this  time,  for  I  have  seen  much  to 
love  and  admire  in  the  instruments,  and  I  trust  the  principle 
is  not  weakened  within  me.  May  it  lead  me  to  seek  deeply 
to  serve  my  Maker  in  singleness  of  heart,  for  that  appears 
the  only  way  to  rectitude  of  conduct ;  and  not  to  forget  the 
numerous  rocks  there  are  to  split  upon,  on  every  side.  These 
observations  should  teach  me  the  necessity  of  keeping  a  con- 
stant watch  and  dependence  on  my  Creator. 

Sixth  Month,  5th. — I  had  most  of  this  morning  in  quiet- 
ness, which  was  quite  a  treat  to  me;  I  wrote  my  journal, 
settled  my  accounts,  and  was  not  destitute  of  a  wish  to  do 
right :  we  had  many  to  dinner,  which  rather  vexed  me,  as  I 
had  set  my  mind  on  quiet. 

15th. — If  I  can,  with  truth,  acknowledge  it  to  be  my  first 
wish  to  do  my  best,  although  I  may  not  feel  the  sensible 
gratification  of  doing  my  duty,  I  may  yet  be  really  doing  it. 
If  I  do  all  I  can,  I  have  no  occasion  to  fear  sooner  or  later 
meeting  with  my  reward.  I  was  rather  disappointed  at 
our  having  company,  indeed  we  have  now  little  time  alone : 
it  is  quite  a  serious  thing,  our  being  so  constantly  liable  to 
interruptions  as  we  are.  I  do  not  think,  since  we  married, 
we  have  had  one-fourth  of  our  meals  alone.  I  long  for  more 
retirement,  but  it  appears  out  of  our  power  to  procure  it ; 
and  therefore  it  is  best  to  be  as  patient  under  interruptions 
as  we  can,  but  I  think  it  a  serious  disadvantage  to  young 
people  setting  out  in  life. 

Plashet,  Seventh  Month,  9th. — We  are  so  much  from 
home,  and  in  such  continual  bustles,  that  really  when  I  am 
here,  I  feel  at  a  loss  for  regular  employment.  I  just  have 
time  enough  to  keep  things  in  order ;  engagement  follows 


108  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1801. 

engagement  so  rapidly,  day  after  day,  week  after  week,  owing 
principally  to  our  number  of  near  connections,  that  we 
appear  to  live  for  others,  rather  than  ourselves  :  our  plan  of 
sleeping  out  so  often,  I  by  no  means  like,  and  yet  it  appears 
impossible  to  prevent  it ;  to  spend  one's  life  in  visiting,  and 
being  visited,  seems  sad.  Joseph  Lancaster  came  in  after 
breakfast,  I  had  some  talk  with  him  about  poor  people ;  he 
enlightened  me  about  his  school  plans,  but  not  generally 
about  the  poor. 

IQth. — I  had  to  fix  with  Jane  King  about  the  nursery,  and 
to  reprove  a  servant  for  something  I  did  not  approve,  which 
kept  me  in  a  state  of  agitation  for  some  time,  it  is  so  trying 
to  me  to  reprove  any  one ;  it  is  so  very  trying  to  my  natural 
disposition,  partly  I  suppose  from  a  feeling  of  self-love  that 
does  not  like  being  the  cause  of  pain  ;  partly  I  suppose  from 
feeling  for  others.  I  mostly  feel  satisfaction  when  I  take 
courage  to  act  the  mistress ;  as  it  is  so  much  out  of  my 
nature. 

\\th. — It  now  and  then  strikes  me  to  how  little  end  are  all 
these  employments  that  occupy  us ;  we  seem  principally  oc- 
cupied in  clothing,  feeding,  and  taking  care  of  our  bodies, 
and  yet  I  trust  if  even  that  be  done  in  a  right  spirit,  we  still 
are  doing  our  duty,  and  it  is  in  these  actions  about  our  bodies 
that  our  minds  and  principles  act  also,  if  it  be  our  object  to 
do  all  things  to  the  glory  of  God.  But  we  are  apt  rather  to 
do  things  in  subserviency  to  our  own  will,  rather  than  the 
will  of  our  Maker ;  we  therefore  devote  ourselves  to  these 
outward  and  bodily  things.  Now,  when  such  things  are 
done,  which  I  believe  they  may  be,  under  a  devotional  spirit, 
we  are  not  injured  by  being  occupied  with  such  trifles. 

Eighth  Month,  5th. — I  feel  that  when  I  do  my  part  to- 
wards really  performing  my  duty,  it  sheds  a  sweet  and  sober 
colouring  over  all  my  occupations ;  but  when  I  do  not,  it 
appears  to  cast  a  mist  that  I  am  obliged  to  find  my  way  as 
well  as  I  can,  without  my  guide. 

15th. — I  have  had  an  interesting  talk  with  my  dear  sister 


1801.]  LIFB    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  109 

Rachel :  she  appears  to  me  to  have  perceived  that  which 
will  direct  her  steps.  But  how  hard  it  is  deeply,  strictly, 
and  for  a  long  time  together,  to  have  our  first  object  to  serve 
our  Creator — for  at  first  there  is  a  natural  glee,  as  for  some- 
thing new,  and  then  we  feel  we  have  to  pass  through  luke- 
warmness,  which  is  a  dangerous  state ;  I  believe  one,  where 
many  are  lost.  May  I  be  carried  through  it ! 

It  is  evident  that  the  circumstances  in  which  Elizabeth 
Fry  was  placed  at  Mildred's  Court,  were  too  fatiguing  for 
her,  then  approaching  her  first  confinement,  so  as  to  depress, 
not  merely  her  bodily  powers  and  her  natural  energy,  but 
also,  in  a  degree,  her  spiritual  liveliness.  In  anticipation 
of  this  event,  her  active  mind  had  already  occupied  itself  in 
forming  nursery  arrangements. 

Her  eldest  child  was  born  in  the  Eighth  Month,  and  to 
this  event  succeeded  the  pleasures  and  anxieties  of  a  young 
mother ;  upon  which,  perhaps,  no  one  could  have  entered 
with  a  more  lively  sense,  either  of  their  enjoyment  or  respon- 
sibility. 

My  thoughts,  she  says,  are  now  very  often  in  my  nursery, 
fixing  plans  for  children.  I  am  very  full  of  castles  about 
my  good  management ;  but  all  must  be,  should  be,  held  in 
subserviency  to  a  great  and  divine  Power,  who  alone  knows 
what  is  best  for  them  and  us  ;  and  it  is  to  be  hoped  He  will, 
in  His  mercy,  guide  the  hands  of  the  parents  to  lead  them 
in  the  right  path  in  every  way.  I  am  a  great  friend  to  close 
and  constant  attention  to  early  education,  even  the  very  first 
years  of  a  child's  life. 

Ninth  Month,  Vlth. — I  have  hardly  had  time  or  strength, 
as  yet,  to  describe  the  events  I  have  lately  passed  through. 
I  did  not  experience  that  joy  which  some  women  describe, 
when  my  husband  first  brought  me  my  little  babe,  little  dar- 
ling !  I  hardly  knew  what  I  felt  for  it,  but  my  body  and 
spirits  were  so  extremely  weak,  I  could  oiily  just  bear  to  look 


110  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1801. 

at  those  I  loved.  I  felt  the  dear  baby  at  first  a  quiet  source 
of  pleasure,  but  she  early  became  a  subject  for  my  weakness 
and  low  spirits  to  dwell  upon,  so  that  I  almost  wept  when 
she  cried ;  but  I  hope,  as  bodily  strength  recovers,  strength 
of  mind  will  come  with  it. 

20th. — I  have  now  pretty  much  recovered.  I  was  at 
Meeting  this  morning;  there  appears  great  cause  for  my 
being  thankful  to  have  got  through  so  great  a  trial,  and  to 
have  a  dear  little  living  girl ;  but  we  are  not  always  sensible 
of  the  blessings  we  enjoy. 

23rd. — Certainly  I  am  ignorant  about  the  management  of 
such  young  infants,  but  I  do  not  feel  uneasy  about  the  charge 
of  her  body ;  from  my  self-confidence  I  fear  ;  but  I  believe 
if  we  endeavour  to  do  our  duty,  even  in  such  things,  we 
shall  find  the  way.  I  much  wish  to  avoid  my  mother-in- 
law's  very  "cotting"  plan,  for  a  degree  of  hardiness  I  think 
most  desirable — I  think  being  too  careful  and  tender  really 
makes  them  more  subject  to  indisposition. 

Tenth  Month,  ls£. — My  present  feelings  for  the  babe  are 
so  acute  as  to  render  me  at  times  unhappy,  from  an  over 
anxiety  about  her,  such  an  one  as  I  never  felt  before  for  any 
one.  Now  it  appears  to  me,  this  over  anxiety  arises  from 
extreme  love,  weak  spirits  and  state  of  health,  and  not  being 
under  the  influence  of  principle,  that  would  lead  me  to 
overcome  these  natural  feelings,  as  far  as  they  tend  to  my 
misery.  For  if  I  were  under  the  influence  of  principle,  I 
might  trust  that  my  dear  infant  indeed  was  under  the  care 
and  protection  of  an  infinitely  wise  and  just  Providence,  that 
permits  her  little  sufferings  for  some  good  end,  that  I  know 
not  of.  How  anxiously  do  I  hope  this  poor  dear  baby  may 
be  held  in  resignation  by  me  to  the  Divine  will.  Oh  !  that  I 
might  feel  dependence  on  that  Almighty  arm  about  her,  and 
about  other  things.  Beyond  every  thing  else,  I  wish  to  do 
my  duty,  idle  and  relaxed  as  I  am,  in  performing  it. 

Mildred's  Court,  Wth. — I  here  sit  hearing  the  great  noise 
and  bustle  of  the  Illumination  for  Peace  ;  my  husband  and 


1801.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  Ill 

the  rest  of  the  party  are  gone  out  to  see  it ;  my  dearest  hahe 
is  sleeping  in  the  room.  This  evening  I  am  very  tired,  and 
the  noise  of  the  mob  nearly  makes  my  head  ache.  This  is 
the  way  in  which  they  show  their  joy  !  it  does  not  seem  to 
me  the  right  manner  of  showing  our  gratitude,  as  it  appears 
to  lead  to  drunkenness  and  vice.  I  think  true  gratitude 
should  lead  us  to  endeavour  to  retain  the  blessing,  or  to  make 
good  nse  of  it,  by  more  virtue  in  ourselves,  and  encouraging 
others  to  the  same. 

Joseph  and  Elizabeth  Fry  visited  Norfolk,  taking  their 
little  treasure,  the  lovely  infant;  and  E.  F.'s  journal  con- 
tinues :—  - 

Earlham,  21st. — We  have  had  a  comfortable  journey ; 
meeting  them  at  Thetford  was  very  pleasant,  they  appeared 
so  delighted  to  see  us.  I  altogether  entered  this  place  in 
much  agitation,  our  reception  was  delightful ;  my  father  and 
all  so  much  admired  our  little  darling,  and  seemed  to  love  her 
BO  dearly,  that  it  was  delightful  to  me  :  it  was  indeed  a 
striking  sight  to  see  them  all  meet  her,  so  much  real  interest 
was  shown.  Yesterday  I  went  once  more  to  Norwich  Meet- 
ing,— my  reception  was  very  warm. 

Mildred's  Court,  Eleventh  Month,  25th. — My  cough  has 
been  so  poorly  that  my  husband  called  in  Dr.  Simms.  I 
asked  his  advice  about  our  little  one  being  inoculated ;  he 
strongly  recommended  the  cow-pox,  and  said  that  he  would 
undertake  the  care  of  her  if  we  liked :  I  think  highly  of  his 
judgment,  and  I  believe  it  to  be  our  duty  to  avoid  evil,  both 
bodily  and  mentally.  So  trifling  a  complaint  as  the  cow-pox, 
being  likely  to  prevent  so  dreadful  a  disease  as  the  small-pox, 
at  least  it  appears  justifiable  to  try  it ;  although  the  idea  is 
not  pleasant,  it  almost  looks  like  taking  too  much  on  ourselves 
to  give  a  child  a  disease.  But  I  altogether  was  easy  to  do  it. 
I  felt  a  good  deal  about  the  operation,  which  was  very  little 
and  easily  performed.  What  a  wonderful  discovery  it  is,  if 
it  really  prevent  the  small-pox. 


112  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1802. 


.  —  I  went  to  see  a  poor  woman  :  it  is  always  a  cross 
to  me  leaving  my  child,  but  going  over  the  bridge  I  enjoy  ; 
the  air,  sky,  and  water  look  so  sweetly. 

Twelfth  Month,  5th.  —  I  was  up  in  pretty  good  time,  dressed 
by  eight,  and  after  reading,  settled  my  great  housekeeping 
accounts.  I  wrote  to  cousin  Priscilla,  my  uncle  Barclay,  and 
my  father.  This  evening  I  feel  very  flat,  rather  in  a  low 
state,  partly  perhaps  bodily  weakness.  I  feel  almost  ready  to 
pant  after  the  courts  of  the  Lord. 

First  Month,  26th,  1802.—  rlt  is  more  than  a  month  since 
I  wrote  my  journal;  I  am  sorry  for  it,  but  I  have  been  Mar- 
tha-like, and  so  much  engrossed  in  the  affairs  of  this  life,  that 
little  time  has  been  spent  in  reviewing  my  conduct;  indeed, 
I  appear  very  much  to  have  taken  my  flight  from  spiritual 
things.  It  is  not  my  feeling  bereft  of  the  comforts  of  religion 
that  alarms  me,  it  is  my  not  sufficiently  seeking  after  them, 
I  fear  ;  for  I  hardly  ever  am  on  the  watch  for  the  Master's 
coming.  I  may  say  my  heart  has  now  and  then  been  full, 
almost  to  prayer,  for  my  husband,  child,  and  myself;  par- 
ticularly for  my  little  infant,  that  we  may  not  prove  stumbling- 
blocks  in  its  way  to  salvation  ;  if  it  please  God  it  should  live 
to  an  age  of  understanding.  I  believe  it  would  be  better  for 
me,  if  I  were  in  a  more  constant  habit  of  daily  retirement  ; 
for  it  would  afford  me  time  for  self-examination,  which  I  am 
so  unaccustomed  to,  and  if  I  only  sit  quietly,  I  believe  I  may 
find  it  useful,  although  I  feel  of  myself  I  can  do  nothing. 

28th.  —  I  do  heartily  enjoy  our  being  alone,  and  falling 
into  some  plans  :  not  being  interrupted,  I  appear  naturally  to 
fall  into  employment  ;  and  it  is  so  sweet  to  have  quiet  plans 
at  my  own  dear  home.  How  much  I  think  my  marriage 
tends  to  my  outward  comfort;  it  is  wonderful  to  me  to 
observe  how  every  act  of  mine  has  prospered,  that  has  been 
done  under  the  anxious  wish  of  serving  my  Creator  in  it. 

Second  Montli^  13th.  —  My  poor  baby  has  been  so  poorly, 
that  we  took  her  to  Dr.  Willan's  ;  she  has  had  a  cough  and 
is  really  unwell.  I  felt  much  tired,  and  longed  for  resigna- 
*i<xn  find  natience. 


1802.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FEY.  113 

20th. — I  felt  our  dearest  child  in  great  danger,  as  did  many 
besides  me,  indeed  I  believe  all  of  us.  This  was  indeed  a 
trial,  but  I  was  supported  with  some  resignation  of  soul, 
feeling  the  weight  of  that  part  of  the  prayer,  "  Thy  will,  and 
not  mine,  be  done." 

21st. — As  the  morning  advanced,  my  little  infant  began  to 
change  from  a  very  feverish  state  to  an  almost  deadly  languid 
one,  that  I  believe  most  present  thought  might  be  the  begin- 
ning of  a  more  awful  change.  She  sat  on  my  lap,  I  happened 
to  be  also  very  faint  at  the  time  ;  I  think  I  may  say,  I  felt 
resigned  to  the  all-wise  dispensations  of  Providence,  which 
was  a  great  blessing ;  my  mind  felt  depending  on  that  Power 
that  alone  can  support  in  the  day  of  trial.  I  desire  to  feel 
that  of  myself  I  can  do  nothing,  and  that  I  may  remember 
the  blessing  of  being  able  to  say,  "  Thy  will,  and  not  mine, 
be  done." 

23d. — Our  little  one  appears  mending,  although  very 
poorly,  faint,  and  weak  :  her  recovery  seems  more  than  I  can 
enter  into,  at  present,  with  a  joyful  heart.  But  I  feel  rather 
as  if  quietly  waiting  for  the  will  of  her  Maker  to  be  done. 
Some  would  perhaps  call  me  insensible  to  the  blessing. 
May  I  continue  to  look  to  the  all-merciful  Fountain  of  Good, 
and  hold  my  submission  to  His  will,  and  properly  estimate 
the  numerous  blessings  afforded  me :  and  may  I  be  thankful 
for  my  little  one.  My  prayer  seems  to  have  been  heard, 
that  whether  she  lived  or  died  she  might  not  suffer  much. 

Fourth  Month,  19th. — Oh  !  may  my  obedience  keep  pace 
with  my  knowledge  at  this  time;  my  knowledge  of  good  ap- 
pears small ;  my  longings  to  be  better  are  only  known  by 
a  Superior  Power,  who  I  trust  will,  in  time,  have  mercy  on 
me.  I  have  this  day  prayed,  that,  in  this  day  of  darkness, 
I  may  not  prove  an  obstruction  in  the  way  of  others  ;  truly 
a  South  Land  is  my  portion, — I  only  long  for  the  wells  of 
living  water. 

Fifth  Month,  18th. — The  sight  of  my  uncle  Joseph  this 
morning  rejoiced  me  ;   he  is  to  me,  in  every  point  of  view, 
15 


114  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1802. 

so  dear  ;  I  love  him  as  a  religious  character,  and  as  my  near 
and  dear  relation.  We  had  many  Friends  to  dinner,  and 
many  to  supper. 

19th. — This  day  Yearly  Meeting  hegan  generally.  I  was 
in  my  usual  lukewarm,  flat  state,  full  of  the  wanderings 
of  imagination  ;  but  I  believe,  as  a  spectator,  Meetings  were 
more  satisfactory  than  last  year.  We  had  a  very  large 
number  to  dinner. 

31«£. — Yearly  Meeting  is  now,  I  am  happy  to  say,  finished. 
I  attended  all  the  Meetings  but  one.  In  some  of  them  I 
was  much  more  interested  than  last  year,  and  felt  for  the 
interests  of  the  Society.  We  have  seen  a  good  deal  of  Friends, 
and  I  think  I  admire  them  more  than  I  did  last  year.  I 
have  had  a  few  more  serious  feelings  than  usual :  I  have  been 
always  devoted  to  the  world,  except  now  and  then,  when  my 
heart  has  anxiously  hoped  for  something  better.  I  have 
felt  very  much  how  we  are  all  surrounded  with  continual 
temptations,  and  how  very  hard  it  is  to  hold  fast  that  which 
is  good ;  I  see  so  many  faults  in  myself,  that  I  fear  there 
are  many  I  know  nothing  of,  from  not  sufficiently  seeking  for 
them ;  for  I  observe  faults  in  others  who  are  better  than  my- 
self, that  I  believe  they  know  nothing  of. 

During  the  autumn  of  this  year,  Elizabeth  Fry  took  a 
long  journey  into  the  North  of  England  with  her  husband  ; 
a  few  entries  respecting  it  are  presented  to  the  reader. 

Coventry,  Tenth  Month,  2nd. — We  were  up  in  good  time, 
'  and  went  to  see  Shakspeare's  monument,  at  Stratford-upon- 
Avon ;  a  sweet  country  churchyard  ;  in  the  church  we  saw 
the  monument.  We  breakfasted  at  Warwick,  and  saw  the 
castle  and  church ;  the  outside  of  the  castle  I  liked  very 
much,  the  inside  pretty  well.  We  are  at  an  unpleasant  inn 
here ;  but  I  have  learnt  one  lesson — that  I  do  not  think  in 
travelling  we  are  sufficiently  cautious  in  our  behaviour  to  inn 
servants,  but  hurry  them  and  worry  them  too  much  :  I 
hope  to  be  more  cautious  in  future.  I  went  to  see  D 


1802.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  115 

L and   his   wife,  and  by  accident  went  to  the  wrong 

house  ;  I  made  several  droll  blunders,  and  became  confused. 

Wolverhampton,  6th. — During  our  journey  here,  I  was 
very  low  and  anxious  on  account  of  our  little  baby,  who  ap- 
peared uneasy,  arid  in  much  pain.  She  seemed  suddenly 
really  unwell.  I  wish  my  heart  not  to  be  too  much  set  on 
her,  or  her  health  ;  for  I  should  endeavour  to  remember,  she 
is  taken  care  of  by  One  infinitely  wiser  than  I  am.  All  me- 
dicine, gum-lancing,  &c.,  is  one  of  my  trials,  for  I  do  not 
like  or  approve  putting  children  to  unnecessary  pain,  unless 
I  have  good  ground  for  believing  it  right  to  do  it ;  and  yet  I 
fear  my  cowardice  improperly  preventing  my  doing  it. 

Rock  Ferry,  IQth. — We  admired  Chester, — the  town  is  so 
extraordinary ;  from  the  walks  on  the  walls  the  country  is 
beautiful.  We  could  not  prudently  go  over  to  Liverpool  on  ac- 
count of  the  rain,  therefore  we  remained  here,  which  I 
believe  we  all  enjoyed ;  the  quiet  within  was  so  pleasant, 
when  the  storms  without  were  so  violent,  and  I  enjoyed  my 
beloved  husband's  company  ;  what  earthly  pleasure  is  equal 
to  the  enjoyment  of  real  unity  with  the  nearest  of  all  ties, 
husband  and  children. 

Liverpool,  12th. — Our  patience  was  rather  tried,  by  waiting 
from  breakfast  time  till  twelve  o'clock,  for  a  passage  over. 
My  fears  of  the  water  are  surprisingly  gone  off,  I  hardly  felt 
any  fear,  although  the  wind  was  high,  and  we  sailed.  I 
believe  as  we  grow  older,  and  have  greater  and  more  serious 
things  to  occupy  us,  those  little  feelings  go  off ;  I  do  not  think 
I  am  nearly  such  a  coward  about  some  little  things,  as  I  was 
before  I  married. 

Manchester,  Ylth. — We  drank  tea  at  John  Thorp's ;  I 
really  adtnire  and  love  that  man :  I  think  we  seldom  see  so 
much  of  good,  united  with  a  cultivated  understanding,  and 
the  sweet  simplicity  of  religion,  as  in  him.  I  long  for  help 
to  penetrate  the  clouds  that  surround  me,  for  I  feel  that  of 
myself  I  can  do  nothing. 

Keiwick,  25th. — This  morning  we  went  in  the  rain  to  sco 


116  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1803. 

a  very  fine  waterfall,  it  was  a  grand  and  beautiful  sight;  but 
I  do  not  much  like  this  country,  at  this  time  of  the  year,  it 
looks  so  barren  and  dreary.  This  evening  I  went  with  Joseph 
on  horseback  to  see  some  fine  waterfalls.  There  is  too  much 
water  in  this  place,  and  about  here,  to  please  my  taste, — too 
much  lake,  and  too  much  of  barren  mountain  ;  too  little 
snugness,  and  too  few  fine  trees. 

26th. — This  would  have  appeared  to  me,  some  time  ago, 
rather  a  fearful  day ;  we  first  took  a  long  ride,  part  of  it  over 
rather  frightful  roads,  on  the  edge  of  a  precipice,  without 
any  wall  or  guard  to  it.  This  evening,  my  husband  and  I 
climbed  Skiddaw ;  when  we  arrived  at  the  top,  after  some 
pain  and  fatigue,  we  were  almost  in  a  whirlwind,  and  so 
extremely  cold  and  damp,  being  in  the  midst  of  a  cloud,  and 
the  wind  so  violent,  that  it  appeared  almost  impossible  to 
stand  against  it :  however  we  got  down  safely. 

Mildred's  Court,  Eleventh  Month,  ~L8th. — We  have  had  a 
prosperous  journey,  and  have  at  last  arrived  at  our  comfort- 
able home.  It  really  looks  quite  sweet  and  nice ;  it  is  a 
great  thing  to  have  gone  so  far,  and  returned  home  safely. 

Their  family  was  at  this  time  increased  by  her  brother 
Samuel  Gurney's  coming  to  London,  to  learn  the  details  of 
business  there.  He  resided  some  years  at  Mildred's  Court. 
The  shelter  of  such  a  residence,  in  that  great  and  depraved 
Metropolis,  can  hardly  be  too  highly  estimated ;  but  beside 
this,  he  had  the  advantage  of  his  sister's  close  and  watchful 
care.  She  had  been  much  attached  to  him,  when  young ; 
and  it  was  an  interest  and  pleasure  to  her  to  have  him  for  an 
inmate.  Her  labours  were  eminently  blessed  to  him — and, 
in  his  faithful  love  through  life,  she  reaped  a  rich  reward. 

First  Month,  5th,  1803. — I  feel  hardly  willing  to  begin 
this  year  without  observing  how  very  numerous  my  blessings 
are ;  as  far  as  outward  blessings  go,  I  believe  I  want  nothing : 
may  I  endeavour  to  be  aware  of  it,  and  may  it  stimulate  me 


1803.]  LIFE  OF   ELIZABETH   FRY.  117 

afresh  to  strive  to  serve  that  Power  which  has  conferred 
them  on  me.  My  secret  trials  and  temptations  are  known  by 
no  man,  that  inclination  to  lukewarmness  of  mind,  and  also 
forgetfulness  of  what  is  good,  are  powerful  temptations. 
They  do  not,  like  some  others,  make  a  very  conspicuous 
appearance ;  but  they  undermine  our  strength,  for  want  of 
sufficient  effort  and  sufficient  watchfulness ;  I  look  forward 
with  much  hope,  that  I  may  be  supported  in  the  day  of  ex- 
pected trial.  But  if  I  seek  so  little  for  a  close  acquaintance 
with  what  is  good ;  if  I  cannot  now  endeavour  humbly  to 
place  my  confidence  in  the  Power  that  alone  can  deliver,  is 
it  likely  that,  in  such  emergency,  I  shall  be  able  to  do  it  ? 
I  believe  if  rightly  influenced,  I  might  in  some  small  measure 
rejoice,  if  I  could  feelingly  believe  that  these  afflictions, 
which  are  but  for  a  moment,  work  for  us  a  far  more  ex- 
ceeding and  eternal  weight  of  glory.  Suffer  we  must  in  this 
world,  and  the  less  we  kick  against  the  pricks  the  happier 
for  us. 

She  thus  records  the  birth  of  her  second  child,  which 
took  place  in  Third  Month. 

Fourth  Month,  1.2th. — My  heart  abounded  with  joy  and 
gratitude,  when  my  dear  little  girl  was  born,  perfect  and 
lovely.  Words  are  not  equal  to  express  my  feelings,  for  I 
was  most  mercifully  dealt  with,  my  soul  was  so  quiet,  and  so 
much  supported. 

Plashet,  Fifth  Month,  21st. — I  have  been  long  prevented 
writing  my  journal,  by  a  severe  attack  of  indisposition.  It 
is  difficult  exactly  to  express  what  I  have  gone  through,  but 
it  has  been,  now  and  then,  a  time  of  close  trial ;  my  feelings 
being  such,  at  times,  as  to  be  doubtful  whether  life  or  death 
would  be  my  portion.  One  night  I  was,  I  believe,  very  seri- 
ously ill ;  I  never  remember  feeling  so  forcibly,  how  hard  a 
trial  it  was  in  prospect,  to  part  with  life.  Much  as  my  mind, 
as  well  as  body,  was  then  tried  in  this  emergency,  still  T  fell 


118  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1803. 

forcibly  an  inward  support,  and  it  reminded  me  of  that  text 
of  Scripture,  "  Can  a  woman  forget  her  sucking  child,  yea 
they  may  forget,  yet  will  I  not  forget  thee."  And  then  I 
told  those  around  me,  that  I  was  so  ill,  I  could  almost 
forget  my  child ;  but  that  I  felt  the  existence  of  a  Power 
that  could  never  forget.  I  have  gone  through  much  since, 
in  various  ways,  from  real  bodily  weakness,  and  also  the  trials 
of  a  nervous  imagination  :  no  one  knows  but  those  who  have 
felt  them,  how  hard  they  are  to  bear,  for  they  lead  the  mind 
to  look  for  trouble,  and  it  requires  much  exertion  not  to  be 
led  away  by  them  ;  nothing,  I  believe,  allays  them  so  much 
as  the  quieting  influence  of  religion,  and  that  leads  us  to  en- 
deavour after  quietness  under  them,  not  looking  beyond  the 
present.  But  they  are  a  regular  bodily  disorder,  that  I 
believe  no  mental  exertion  can  cure  or  overcome,  but  we 
must  endeavour  not  to  give  way  to  them. 

Mildred 's  Court,  Sixth  Month,  5th. — Since  I  last  wrote, 
I  have  been  gradually  becoming  better,  but  still  I  feel  not 
in  usual  health ;  my  nerves  are  in  an  irritable  state,  I  am 
soon  overcome  and  overdone.  I  have  been  at  Meeting,  and 
am  now  once  more  entering  upon  my  usual  occupation :  I 
fear  I  am  not  so  much  benefited  as  I  ought  to  be,  by  the 
illness  I  have  lately  gone  through ;  for  I  have  so  forcibly 
felt — What  am  I,  without  a  hold  on  something  beyond  this 
life? 

Soon  after  this  she  visited  Norfolk  with  her  husband, 
taking  also  her  children. 

Earlham,  Seventh  Month,  SQth. — I  went  to  Norwich  this 
morning  with  my  husband,  and  when  there,  we  received  a 
letter  from  William,  expressing  a  desire  for  Joseph's  imme- 
diate return.  The  account  rather  tried  me ;  and  also  the 
apprehension  about  the  French  coming,  cast  a  gloom  over 
the  party ;  John  came  in  the  evening,  and  it  was  truly 
pleasant,  all  twelve  of  us,  and  the  two  children  being  here 


1804.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FEY.  119 

together.  But  partly  owing  to  circumstances,  the  uncer- 
tainty of  human  events  so  deeply  impressed  me,  that  I  could 
not  avoid  feeling  the  doubt  of  our  all  meeting  again. 

The  fear  of  an  invasion  of  the  French,  and  the  daily 
expectation  of  their  landing,  caused  such  general  alarm  at 
this  time,  that  Joseph  Fry  was  summoned  by  his  brother, 
"to  be  at  his  post."  On  his  return,  he  found  preparations 
had  been  made  for  flooding  the  marshes  of  the  river  Lee, 
and  breaking  down  the  bridges  on  the  Essex  road ;  whilst 
his  father-in-law  was  also  prepared,  so  soon  as  the  French 
should  land,  to  convey  his  daughters  into  the  Isle  of  Ely ; 
still  regarded  by  the  East  Anglian  portion  of  England  as  a 
"camp  of  refuge." 

Mildred's  Court,  Eighth  Month,  2'2nd. — My  brother  Wil- 
liam came  to  town  in  haste,  to  say  my  mother  was  come 
home  very  ill.  I  went  with  Dr.  Willan  to  Plashet  to  see 
her.  I  was  quite  sorry  to  find  her  eo  ill,  and  felt  real  love 
for  her.  My  time  is  very  much  occupied  with  other  people, 
indeed  I  find  it  has  a  very  dissipating  effect ;  and  it  is  diffi- 
cult to  keep  my  mind  in  its  right  centre,  when  it  is  so  often 
diverted  from  it. 

Tenth  Month,  4th. — After  reading  a  little,  I  went  some 
way  off  to  see  a  poor  woman.  After  searching  a  long  time 
in  one  of  the  disagreeable  parts  of  London,  I  could  not  find 
her,  but  I  was  directed  to  another  poor  person  who  lived 
near  the  place,  and  although  I  believe  the  first  woman  had 
deceived  me,  it  led  me  to  serve  two  others  that  I  have  reason 
to  think  really  wanted.  I  felt  quite  in  my  element  serving 
the  poor,  and  although  I  was  much  tired  with  looking  about, 
it  gave  me  much  pleasure  ;  it  is  an  occupation  my  nature  is  so 
fond  of ;  I  wish  not  to  take  merit  to  myself  beyond  my  desert, 
but  it  brings  satisfaction  with  it  more  than  most  things. 

Upton,  Third  Month,  15th,  1804.— Since  I  last  wrote,  I 
have  more  closely  witnessed  the  scene  of  death,  than  I  ever 


120  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1804. 

did  before.  Last  First-day  morning,  about  three  o'clock, 
my  mother  died  ;  I  was  with  her,  at  times,  on  Seventh-day ; 
and  although  I  have  every  reason  to  believe  she  died  happily, 
I  did  not  experience  those  awful,  sweet  feelings,  I  should 
have  looked  for  at  so  serious  a  time.  On  First-day  morning, 
I  went  into  the  room,  and  sat  some  time  with  the  corpse  ;  it 
was  very  affecting  to  me  to  see  it,  and  I  was  a  good  deal 
overcome,  and  felt  it  much.  I  have  been  surprised  how 
little  this  event  has  led  me  into  a  serious  state  of  mind,  I  fear 
it  has  not  had  so  profitable  an  effect  upon  me  as  it  ought. 

The  death  of  her  mother-in-law,  a  woman  of  powerful 
mind  and  understanding,  united  Elizabeth  Fry  still  more 
closely  with  her  husband's  father ;  to  whom  she  had  been 
always  much  attached.  From  the  time  of  her  marriage,  he 
had  treated  her  with  uniform  kindness  and  attention :  and 
now,  in  his  affliction,  it  was  her  pleasure,  as  well  as  her  duty, 
to  unite  with  his  own  children  in  soothing  his  declining 
years ;  more  time  was -consequently  passed  at  Plashet  with 
him,  and  his  only  daughter,  Elizabeth. 

At  this  period  of  her  life,  the  poor  shared  much  of  her 
attention,  and  notwithstanding  the  impediments  offered  by  a 
great  Metropolis,  to  a  young  and  delicate  woman  personally 
visiting  them,  she  persevered  occasionally  in  this  habit,  until 
withdrawn  from  it,  by  residence  in  the  country,  and  the 
increase  of  more  important  duties.  Her  energy  and  courage 
in  pursuing  this  object  were  great,  as  is  proved  by  the  fol- 
lowing anecdote. 

One  cold  winter  day  she  was  accosted  by  a  woman  asking 
charity  in  the  street,  with  a  half  naked  little  child  in  her 
arms,  very  ill  with  the  hooping-cough  ;  grieved  at  the  ap- 
pearance of  the  child,  and  her  suspicions  excited  by  the 
evasive  answers  of  the  woman,  Elizabeth  Fry  offered  to 
accompany  her  home,  and  there  relieve  her  necessities  :  this 
the  woman  tried  to  elude,  but  determined  on  her  purpose, 
she  succeeded  in  following  her  into  a  low,  back  street,  where, 


1804.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  121 

in  a  wretched,  filthy  house,  the  melancholy  spectacle  presen- 
ted itself,  of  a  numher  of  sick  and  neglected  infants,  not 
only  without  comforts,  but  with  the  aggravations  of  misery. 
The  next  day,  when  the  medical  attendant  of  her  own  child- 
ren went,  at  her  request,  to  assist  the  little  sufferers,  the 
room  was  empty,  woman  and  children  gone,  nor  was  any 
trace  ever  found  of  them.  On  inquiry  among  the  neigh- 
bours, it  was  discovered  that  these  were  parish  children,  put 
to  this  woman  to  nurse,  who  kept  them  in  this  condition,  not 
merely  to  assist  her  purposes  of  mendicity,  but  with  the  in- 
tention of  shortening  their  lives,  and  then,  by  concealing  their 
death,  receiving  the  pittance  allotted  for  their  maintenance. 

It  has  already  been  shown,  that  in  1801,  her  attention 
was  called  to  Joseph  Lancaster,  who,  struggling  under  diffi- 
culties and  embarrassments,  had  assembled  around  him  a 
large  school  of  very  poor  children,  in  an  upper  chamber  in 
Southwark. 

She  had  also  formed  some  valuable  friendships  with  supe- 
rior and  excellent  persons.  Of  this  number  was  her  cousin 
Joseph  Gurney  Bevan,  her  father's  early  friend,  whom  she 
especially  esteemed ;  John  Hull  of  Uxbridge,  and  Rachel 
Smith,  a  friend  living  in  London  ;  all  judicious  counsellors, 
and  her  frequent  companions. 

During  several  succeeding  years,  she  was  permitted  to 
pass  through  many  illnesses  and  much  suffering ;  but  her  spirit 
bowed  in  meek  submission  under  the  refining  process ;  deep 
conflict  waa  often  her  portion,  until  her  bonds  were  broken, 
and  she  was  enabled  "  to  rejoice  in  the  Lord,  and  joy  in  the 
God  of  her  salvation."  Earnest  desires  for  the  religious 
welfare  of  others,  animated  her  soul. 

The  impression  which,  during  the  early  stages  of  her  reli- 
gious course,  had  been  made  on  her  mind,  that  if  faithful  to 
her  God,  she  would  be  required  to  advocate  His  holy  cause 
as  a  minister  of  the  Gospel  of  Christ,  continued  deeply  to 
impress  her.  This  was  indeed  an  awful  prospect,  from  which 
her  whole  nature  recoiled. 
16 


122  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1805. 

Seventh  Month,  IQth. — Since  I  last  wrote  I  have  gone  on 
pretty  comfortably  in  most  respects ;  at  times  a  degree  of  low- 
ness,  but  I  have  altogether  been  much  more  encouraged  than 
I  was,  and  feel,  at  present,  able  to  leave  my  fears ;  trusting 
in  the  mercy  of  Him  who  may  afflict.  Oh  !  may  I  be  ready 
to  bear !  I  have  had  many  desires  after  good,  and  I  think 
reading  a  little  of  "No  Cross,  no  Crown,"  has  been  rather  a 
stimulus  to  me,  to  endeavour  after  more  strictly  attending  to 
that  voice,  that  instructs  us  how  to  take  up  the  daily  cross, 
in  overcoming  our  natural  propensities.  I  was  reading  in 
Jeremiah  to-day,  "  Cursed  be  they  who  serve  the  Lord  de- 
ceitfully," and  I  hoped  that  might  not  be  my  case.  What  I 
long  for  is,  to  serve  the  Lord  with  strict  integrity,  keeping 
self-love  in  subserviency. 

Her  eldest  son  was  born  in  the  Seventh  Month  of  this 
year ;  her  confinement  was  followed  by  a  trying  and  tedious 
illness. 

Bath,  Ninth  Month,  24th. — Since  I  last  wrote,  I  have 
been  very  unwell,  and  passed  through  great  suffering,  owing 
to  great  sickness,  faintness,  and  nervous  irritability :  how- 
ever, each  trial  has  had  its  alleviation  ;  I  have  not  once  quite 
sunk  ;  I  have  experienced,  that  though  at  times  it  has  been 
rather  hard  to  bear,  I  do  not  think  it  has  been  too  much  for  me ; 
for  although  I  have  felt  the  wounding  hand,  yet  I  have  also 
soon  found  that  the  same  Power  could,  and  did,  make  whole. 

Mildred's  Court,  First  Month,  14«7t,  1805. — A  new  year 
begun — one  of  my  first  desires  upon  waking  was,  that  I  might 
improve  in  it. 

Plashet,  Second  Month,  5th. — Since  I  last  wrote,  I  have 
been  much  occupied  with  many  things :  rather  more  than  usual 
about  the  poor.  I  have  been  desirous  that  attending  to  them 
as  I  do,  may  not  prove  a  snare  to  me,  for  I  think  acting 
charitably  leads  us  often  to  receive  more  credit  than  we  de- 
serve, or  at  least  to  fancy  so ;  it  is  one  of  those  things  that 


1805.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABET.H    FRY.  123 

give  my  nature  pleasure,  therefore  I  believe  I  am  no  further 
praiseworthy  than  that  I  give  way  to  a  natural  inclination. 
Attending  the  afflicted  is  one  of  those  things  that  so  remark- 
ably brings  its  reward  with  it,  that  we  may  rest  in  a  sort  of 
self-satisfaction  which  is  dangerous ;  but  I  often  feel  the 
blessing  of  being  so  situated,  as  to  be  able  to  assist  the 
afflicted,  and  sometimes  a  little  to  relieve  their  distresses. 

llth. — We  ought  to  make  it  an  object  in  -conversation  and 
in  conduct,  to  endeavour  to  oblige  those  we  are  with,  and 
rather  to  make  the  pleasure  of  others  our  object,  than  our 
own  ;  I  am  clear  it  is  a  great  virtue  to  be  able  constantly  to 
yield  in  little  things  ;  it  begets  the  same  spirit  in  others,  and 
renders  life  happy. 

Fifth  Month,  1th. — Yesterday,  my  sister  Eliza  Fry  was 
here ;  we  were  saying  something  about  the  children's  dress  ; 
and  she  remarked  that  for  the  sake  of  others,  (she  meant  the 
fear  of  not  setting  a  good  example,)  she  would  not  do  so  and 
so.  I  said  it  struck  me  that  those  who  do  their  duty  with 
integrity,  are  serving  others  as  well  as  themselves,  and  do 
more  real  good  to  the  cause  of  true  religion,  than  in  looking 
much  outwardly,  either  to  what  others  do  or  think.  I  believe 
that  conscience  will  sometimes  lead  us  to  feel  for  others,  and 
not  act  so  as  materially  to  hurt  a  weak  brother ;  but  I  believe 
we  should  seldom  find  that  we  hurt  those  whose  opinion  would 
be  worth  caring  for,  if  we  kept  close  to  the  witness  in  our  own 
hearts.  If  I  were  going  to  do  a  thing,  I  should  endeavour  to 
find  whether  it  appeared  to  me  in  any  way  wrong,  and  whether 
I  should  feel  easy  to  do  it ;  looking  secretly  for  help,  where 
it  is  to  be  found ;  and  there  I  believe  I  should  leave  it ;  and 
if  it  led  me  to  act  rather  differently  from  some,  I  should  proba- 
bly be  doing  more  good  to  society,  than  in  any  conformity, 
merely  on  account  of  others,  for  if  I  should  be  preserved  in 
the  way  of  obedience  in  other  things,  it  would,  in  time,  show 
from  whence  such  actions  sprang ;  and  I  think  this  very 
spirit  of  conforming  in  trifles  to  the  opinion  of  others,  leads 
into  forms,  that  may  one  day  prove  a  stumbling-block  to  the 


124  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1805. 

progress  of  our  Society ;  whereas,  if  we  attend  to  the  prin- 
ciple that  brought  us  together,  it  will  lead  us  out  of  forms, 
and  not  into  them. 

Earlham,  Sixth  Month,  7th. — There  is  quite  a  change  since 
I  last  wrote,  I  have  passed  through  much  illness  among  the 
children  ;  the  Yearly  Meeting,  and  since  that,  coming  here. 
After  my  return  from  Plashet,  dear  little  Rachel  was  very 
poorly,  and  poor  John  ;  all  these  things  tried  me,  but  I  en- 
deavoured to  bear  them  with  patience  and  cheerfulness.  The 
Yearly  Meeting  was  very  interesting  to  me,  I  felt  a  good  deal 
about  it ;  in  the  first  place,  I  am  struck  afresh  with  the  beauty 
of  our  principles :  but  so  am  I  also  with  the  great  want  of 
simplicity  and  integrity  in  us  who  profess  them  ;  for  I  am 
willing  to  believe,  that  if  we  more  closely  attended  to  them, 
there  would  be  more  unity,  more  clearness,  and  more  prompt- 
ness in  our  manner  of  attending  to  the  business  of  the  So- 
ciety. I  used  to  fear  that  a  selfish  principle  frequently  rose 
up  amongst  us,  rather  than  the  simple  love  and  fear  of  God, 
which  spirit  I  think  alone  should  rule,  in  the  management 
of  the  discipline  intended  to  protect  our  religious  principles. 
The  dread  I  had  over  me,  in  Plaistow  Meeting,  of  saying 
something,  impressed  me  in  most  of  the  Meetings.  I  had 
such  clear  ideas  in  some  of  the  Meetings  ;  but  I  did  not  be- 
lieve it  necessary  for  my  salvation  to  do  it,  and  I  believe 
hardly  any  motive  short  of  that,  could  induce  me.  Once,  in 
hearing  the  queries  answered,  that  many  were  negligent  in 
attending  "Week-day  Meetings,  it  struck  me,  it  arose  from 
allowing  the  business  of  the  world  to  stand  too  much  in  com- 
petition with  the  things  of  God,  and  of  how  much  more  im- 
portance one  was  than  the  other ;  for  a  right  attention  to 
religious  duties,  enables  us  much  better  to  perform  our  tem- 
poral ones. — I  have  enjoyed  coming  here,  and  being  with  them. 

Seventh  Month,  3rd. — It  appears  to  me,  that  we,  who 
desire  to  be  the  servants  of  Christ,  must  expect  to  do  a  part 
of  our  Master's  work  ;  which,  no  doubt,  is  to  bear  with  the 
weaknesses  and  infirmities  of  human  nature  ;  and  if  we  be 


1806.]  LIFE    0V    ELIZABETH    FEY.  125 

favoured  to  feel  them,  and  not  sink  under  them,  we  may  be 
enabled  in  time  to  help  others  to  bear  their  burdens ;  and  it 
appears  to  me,  that  all  Christian  travellers  must  expect  to 
pass  through,  in  their  measure,  the  temptations  and  trials 
their  Master  did  on  earth. 

Mildred's  Court,  Vdth. — Yesterday,  and  the  day  before,  I 
have  been  driven  from  one  thing  to  another,  and  from  one 
person  to  another,  as  is  usual  in  this  place.  I  have  feared 
my  attention  being  quite  diverted  from  good.  But  I  have 
also  thought  that  doing  our  duty  is  most  effectually  serving 
the  Lord.  May  I  therefore  endeavour  to  do  mine,  and  not 
be  impatient  at  my  numerous  interruptions,  but  strive  to 
centre  my  mind  in  an  humble  desire  to  do  the  will  of  my 
Creator,  which  will,  through  all,  bring  a  degree  of  quietness. 

Mildred' 8  Court,  Second  Month,  1.5th,  1806. — I  have  been 
confined  nearly  all  this  week  with  a  bad  cough,  and  still 
continue  poorly.  I  have  particularly  felt  the  vacancy  of  all 
outward  help,  or  consolation,  or  protection  ;  neither  reading 
good  books,  writing  journals,  nor  anything  else,  will,  or  can 
do ;  but  placing  our  dependence  on  the  Power,  that  calls  us 
out  of  darkness  into  light,  and  that  alone  can  lead  us,  and 
point  out  to  us  the  rocks  on  which  we  are  likely  to  split,  for 
though  we  may  certainly  profit  by  the  experience  of  others, 
yet  there  is  a  new  way,  as  it  were,  for  each  to  tread  in  :  and 
they  are  not  the  same  temptations  which  assail  all  travellers 
Zion-ward,  but  different  natures  are  differently  tried :  all 
must  first  seek  for  light  to  guide  them  (individually),  that 
will  teach  them  in  the  right  time  what  to  do,  and  what  to 
leave  undone,  and  prove  in  the  end  their  strong  tower,  and 
preservation  from  all  harm. 

Earlham,  Third  Month,  8th. — The'se  words  of  Haggai 
strike  me,  chap.  i.  5,  6,  "  Now,  therefore,  thus  saith  the  Lord 
of  Hosts ;  consider  your  ways.  Ye  have  sown  much,  and  bring 
in  little  ;  ye  eat,  but  ye  have  not  enough ;  ye  drink,  but  ye 
are  not  filled  with  drink ;  ye  clothe  you,  but  there  is  none 
warm ;  and  he  that  earneth  wages,  earneth  wages  to  put 


126  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1806. 

them  into  a  bag  -with  holes."  Whether  they  may  not  be 
applied  to  myself  and  some  others,  who  go  on  as  it  were, 
saving  seed  not  of  the  best  sort,  too  much  mixed  with  our 
own  desires,  our  own  gratifications,  and  therefore  we  bring 
forth  little. 

Fifth  Month,  ~L3th. — There  is  One  only  who  knows  my 
heart,  and  its  great  wants.  To  Him  then  I  look,  even  to 
Him  who  has  borne  our  infirmities.  Teach  me  Thy  way, 
lead  me  in  the  paths  of  righteousness  for  Thy  name's  sake ; 
give  me  strength  in  weakness,  if  Thou  seest  meet,  0  Lord  ! 
that  I  may  overcome  temptation.  0  Lord !  teach  me  to  do 
Thy  will  towards  those  nearly  connected  with  me :  may  I  be 
a  faithful  steward  of  what  may  be  committed  to  my  trust. 

Elizabeth  Fry,  having  been  appointed  by  the  Friends  of 
Gracechurch-street  Meeting,  a  visitor  to  the  school  and  work- 
house belonging  to  the  Society  at  Islington,  entered  upon 
the  employment  with  no  little  interest,  as  congenial  to  her 
former  tastes  and  habits.  She  visited  the  establishment  as 
often  as  her  other  engagements  would  permit,  always  to  the 
general  pleasure  of  the  children,  who  soon  learned  to  appre- 
ciate her  interest  in  them,  and  desires  for  their  good. 

Fifth  Month,  15th. — Yesterday  I  went  to  the  workhouse 
to  spend  the  evening  with  the  children ;  a  prospect  I  have 
had  in  view  some  time,  almost  ever  since  I  have  been  on  the 
appointment.  I  took  them  things  for  tea :  I  dreaded  going 
on  many  accounts,  fearing  I  should  not  feel  at  liberty  to 
make  any  remarks  I  might  wish  to  the  children,  during  their 
reading,  which  it  was  my  principal  object  in  going  to  attend. 
I  did  not  exactly  see  my  way  ;  however,  I  thought  I  would 
make  my  way.  I  found,  after  tea,  they  did  not  read  till 
nearly  eight,  and  I  could  not  remain  later  than  a  little  past 
seven.  I  spoke  to  the  governess  about  it,  and  she  was  quite 
willing  to  alter  the  hour,  and  so  was  the  stewardess.  I  pro- 
posed reading  a  little  pamphlet  that  has  lately  come  out,  by 


1806.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  127 

Frederick  Smith,  to  children.  There  was  a  solemnity  during 
reading  it,  so  that  Ann  Withers  was  in  tears  most  of  the 
time,  and  some  of  the  children  were  disposed  that  way ; 
afterwards,  when  we  had  finished,  I  endeavoured  to  weigh 
whether  I  really  had  anything  to  say  to  them,  or  not ;  I 
thought  that  I  had,  and  therefore  took  up  the  book,  as  if  to 
explain  it ;  making  my  own  remarks,  which  appeared  to  affect 
the  children  and  the  governess,  so  that  those  who  were  on 
the  point  of  tears  really  wept.  Now  this  event  has  made  me 
feel  rather  odd  ;  it  is  marvellous  to  me  how  I  got  courage  to 
do  it  before  Ann  Withers.  I  have  felt  so  desirous  not  to 
stamp  such  a  thing  too  highly ;  for  I  am  ready  to  believe, 
though  the  party  appeared  to  feel  what  I  said  so  much,  it 
was  principally  owing  to  their  great  tenderness,  as  that  which 
I  said  seemed  rather  to  flow  naturally  from  my  heart  and 
understanding,  than  anything  really  deep  from  the  living 
fountain.  I  have  desired  that  this  little  event  may  not  en- 
courage me  too  much,  for  hard  things  seemed  made  quite 
easy.  Oh !  that  in  anything  like  a  religious  duty,  I  may 
never  go  beyond  the  right  Guide,  nor  ever  give  self  the 
praise.  Keep  me  humble,  and  dependent  on  Thee,  OLord ! 
even  if  self  suffer  in  being  so. 

Mildred's  Court,  21st. — The  Yearly  Meeting  has  been 
begun  for  us  for  some  days,  as  we  have  had  company  here 
very  often  since  Seventh-day.  On  Second-day,  we  had 
rather  a  choice  party  to  dinner,  and,  to  me,  a  very  solemn 
opportunity  after :  I  can  hardly  describe  what  passed,  but  it 
was  of  that  nature,  that  I  considered  it  as  an  increase  of 
talent  committed  to  our  charge ;  and  ought  indeed  afresh  to 
stimulate  to  seek  after,  and  depend  upon  Him,  who  alone  can 
protect  us.  How  much  I  desire  that  Friends  may,  at  this 
time,  get  beyond  the  natural  part,  that  is  indeed  corruptible ; 
and  get  down  to  the  Spiritual  part,  that  will  unite  us  in  the 
love  of  Christ,  and  lead  us  to  endeavour,  in  meekness  and 
forbearance  one  towards  another,  to  come  at  the  right  thing. 
I  know  well  the  harmony  of  Friends  is  great ;  but  my  fear 


128  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1806. 

is  lest  the  natural  part  should  be  disposed  to  take  a  part  in 
spiritual  things,  and  sometimes  lead  us  to  judge,  from  exter- 
nals, one  of  another,  and  so  mar  that  spiritual  beauty  that 
would  otherwise  show  itself,  and  perhaps  beguile  some  into 
the  way  of  godliness. 

Her  fourth  child  was  born  Sixth  Month,  1st,  1806. 

Sixth  Month,  8th. — This  day  week  I  was  confined  with  a 
sweet  boy.  How  much  do  I  now  desire,  that  I  may  be  able 
to  leave  all  things  to  the  All-wise  Disposer  of  events,  trust- 
ing in  his  wisdom  and  mercy  ;  so  far  indeed  I  have  abundant 
cause  for  thankfulness ;  and  though  my  poor  mind  has, 
at  times,  passed  through  a  little  of  the  depths,  yet  I  have 
felt  the  delivering  power  near  at  hand  :  may  I  hope  that,  in 
the  right  time,  it  will  again  come  to  my  help. 

Seventh  Month,  6th. — It  struck  me  this  morning  at  Meet- 
ing, that  in  states  when  we  appear  to  have  no  power  of  our 
own,  no  energy,  and  no  capability  to  do  any  good  thing,  our 
cry  is  heard,  and  our  petitions  come  in  a  more  acceptable 
form,  than  sometimes  when  full  of  power,  vigour,  and  life. 
How  much  do  I  desire  that  above  all  things,  I  may  have  a 
life  in  doing  the  will  of  my  Creator.  I  am  ready  to  be- 
lieve that  I  had  rather  suffer  affliction  to  be  what  I  ought  to 
be,  than  to  enjoy  the  pleasures  of  life,  if  less  profitable. 

Mildred's  Court,  Eleventh  Month,  10th. — I  have  received 
a  very  sweet  and  encouraging  letter  from  my  beloved  cousin 
J.  G.  Bevan.  This  led  me,  for  many  hours  in  the  day,  to 
be  in  a  craving  state  for  spiritual  food,  and  to  anxious  de- 
sires that  the  work  might  be.  perfected  in  me,  and  that  no- 
thing of  the  creature  may  ever  stand  in  competition  with  the 
will  and  the  work  of  the  Creator. 

Early  in  the  Twelfth  Month,  Josef  h  and  Elizabeth  Fry 
went  to  Earlham,  to  be  present  at  the  marriage  of  her  sister 
Louisa,  to  Samuel  Hoare,  Jun.,  of  Hampstead,  Middlesex. 

Earlham.  Twelfth  Month,  26th. — On  Fourth-day  morn- 


1807.]  LIFE  OP  ELIZABETH  FRY.  129 

ing,  the  24th,  our  dear  Louisa  was  married  at  Tasborougb 
Meeting.  A  very  serious  and  interesting  time  to  us  all. 
My  father,  all  of  us  eleven,  my  husband  and  Samuel  Hoare. 
The  Meeting  was  very  solemn,  and  did,  to  me,  sweetly  li- 
cense them  in  their  solemn  engagement ;  it  was  like  a  seal 
set  to  it.  There  was  testimony  upon  testimony,  and  bless- 
ing upon  blessing,  from  the  ministers  present ;  and,  what 
was  better  than  all  to  me,  a  sweet  inward  covering  over  the 
Meeting.  All  appeared  unity  and  love ;  rather  remarkable 
to  see  so  large  a  family  all  so  nearly  sympathising,  and 
closely  united.  My  dear  brother  John  was  sweet  indeed, 
and  deeply  feeling ;  may  it  last  in  him,  and  may  he  truly 
find  the  pearl  of  great  price. 

Newmarket,  Twelfth  Month,  31st. — The  last  day  of  this 
year,  looking  forward  to  the  next.  Thou,  who  knowest  what 
our  trials  and  temptations  are,  keep  us  faithful  unto  Thee  ; 
preserve  us  from  the  snares  of  the  enemy ;  be  with  us  all 
as  a  family ;  and  bless  the  dispensations  of  Thy  Providence 
to  us,  by  drawing  us  nearer  to  Thyself  through  them  ! 

First  Month,  6th,  1807. — My  dear  brother  John,  I  be- 
lieve this  morning  will  marry  our  dear  cousin  Elizabeth 
Gurney ;  may  they  truly  prove  blessings  to  each  other,  and 
to  both  families. 

The  following  letter  was  written  shortly  before  this  event. 
My  very  dear  John  and  Elizabeth, — 

I  leave  off  writing  my  journal,  to  write  to  you  ;  for  whilst 
I  was  expressing  in  it  my  feelings,  the  love  I  then  felt,  and 
now  feel  for  thee,  dear  John,  came  so  powerfully  before  me, 
that  instead  of  writing  it  in  my  journal,  I  wish  to  express  it 
to  you  both.  My  interest  and  sympathy  is  great  in  your 
present  undertaking ;  and  my  desire,  sincere,  that  in  your 
union  you  may  indeed  obtain  the  Divine  blessing.  What  is 
the  Divine  blessing,  but  in  the  first  place  to  be  cleansed  from 
17 


130  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1807. 

our  sins  and  weaknesses  so  fully,  that  we  may,  in  innocency, 
compass  the  altar  of  God  availingly.  And  secondly,  to  live 
under  the  protection  of  Him,  who  is  able  to  save  us  from 
every  hurtful  thing,  and  turn  all  the  circumstances  of  our 
lives  to  good  account ;  so  as  in  them  to  bless  us,  and  draw  us 
nearer  to  Him,  who  can  do  all  things  for  us,  both  inwardly 
and  outwardly. 

It  is  hardly  likely  that  I  shall  see  you  before,  or  soon  after 
you  marry ;  you  have,  you  know,  my  good  wishes  for  your 
prosperity  in  every  way,  but  you  must  expect  some  bitter 
mixed  with  the  sweet  cup ;  for  without  it  we  should  rest  too 
much  in  the  enjoyments  of  life.  I  think  you  will  be  a  very 
devoted  couple  to  each  other ;  therefore  I  advise  you  to  be 
on  your  guard,  and  to  remember  that  all  natural  things,  and 
natural  affections  amongst  the  rest,  are  corruptible.  That 
there  is  something  better  that  must  be  loved  first,  and  that 
we  must  hold  all  things  in  subjection  to  this  Power,  that 
alone  must  be  worshipped,  and  that  alone  can  sanctify  all 
other  things  to  us,  and  so  make  them  partake  of  the  endur- 
ing, powerful,  heavenly  nature.  This  is  what  I  desire  all 
my  affections  to  be  tinged  with;  that  I  may  love  those 
who  are  near  to  me,  not  alone  with  my  own  natural  feelings, 
but  that  a  better  love  may  be  felt  in  me  towards  them; 
a  love  that  is  not  affected  by  the  separations  and  trials  of 
life. 

Mildred's  Court,  First  Month,  27th. — Do  with  me  as  Thou 
wilt,  only  let  me  be  Thine  !  This  is  in  measure  my  desire 
this  morning,  and  that  whether  it  be  in  heights,  or  depths, 
I  may  spend  my  life  to  Thy  glory. 

Elizabeth  Fry  again  travelled  into  Norfolk,  to  attend  the 
wedding  of  her  sister  Hannah. 

She  was  married  at  Tasborough  Meeting,  to  Thomas 
Fowell  Buxton,  afterward  Sir  T.  Fowell  Buxton,  Bart. 


1807.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FEY.  131 

Fifth  Month,  2Qth. — I  have  been  deeply  interested  in  my 
beloved  Hannah's  marriage,  which  was  satisfactory  ;  I  desire 
their  good  every  way.  Now  I  am  again  entering  Yearly 
Meeting ;  this  leads  me  to  various  feelings,  and  some  desires 
after  the  good  of  the  whole  body,  more  particularly  that  we 
may  rest  in  no  form,  and. not  make  too  much  of  it.  How 
very  poor  I  feel,  but  I  admire  at  the  merciful  hand  that  still 
appears  extended  to  help  me. 

Sixth  Month,  22nd. — To-day  I  have  been  to  try  to  draw  a 
poor  young  woman  from  her  evil  course.  I  felt  my  own  in- 
capability to  help  her,  and  my  own  lukewarmness.  But  I 
desire  that  if  it  be  right,  I  may  receive  a  little  help,  and  be 
enabled  in  some  measure,  to  assist  in  drawing  a  poor  sinner 
into  a  better  path,  and  if  such  should  be  the  case,  may  I  give 
the  glory  where  it  is  due. 

Plashet,  Seventh  Month,  20th. — I  have  been,  I  think  I 
may  say,  very  ill,  with  something  of  an  intermittent  fever. 
I  desire  to  express  a  little,  what  I  have  gone  through.  I 
have  certainly,  at  times,  been  very  closely  pressed,  bodily 
and  mentally :  but  for  all  that,  I  have  no  cause  to  complain, 
but  indeed  to  give  thanks.  I  very  soon  found  I  had  but  one 
place  to  fly  to,  but  one  sure  place  of  refuge,  and  that  was 
humbly  to  endeavour  with  all  my  power,  wholly  to  give 
myself  up  to  God,  knowing  His  dispensations  were  all-wise : 
as  for  my  poor  soul,  I  could  only  look  to  His  mercy  and 
forgiveness ;  for  He  can  pardon  in  mercy,  little  as  I  deserve 
it.  I  could  offer  few  words  on  behalf  either  of  soul  or  body, 
but  the  desire  was  to  be  wholly  given  up  to  Him,  who  could 
do  all  things  for  me  ;  I  desired  to  leave  all.  Oh,  how  do  I 
crave  that  I  may,  in  sickness  and  in  health,  and  under  every 
dispensation,  be  wholly  given  up,  body,  soul,  and  spirit,  and 
no  longer  fnlter  as  between  two  opinions. 

Eighth  Month. — At  Meeting,  Richard  Phillips  spoke  on  the 
necessity  of  faith,  I  felt  tendered  and  refreshed,  and  so  well 
altogether,  that  health  appeared  quickly  returning ;  but,  not 
unlike  the  events  of  life,  the  next  morning  I  awoke  ill ;  in  a 


132  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1808. 

suffering  state,  and  very  faint.  I  had  two  days  of  consider- 
able trial  from  such  very  deeply  painful  feelings  of  bodily 
weakness  and  sinking,  then  a  day  of  comparative  rest.  The 
next  day  a  return  of  my  old  complaint,  the  fever,  and  one 
more  since  then.  It  was  of  a  very  suffering  nature  to  me 
whilst  it  lasted ;  but  still  I  may  say  with  truth,  I  once  more 
have  only  cause  to  give  thanks,  for  the  burden  did  not  appear 
too  hard,  and  there  was  a  merciful  and  healing  power  open 
to  my  cry,  for  I  was  helped,  and  my  prayers  appeared  to  be 
granted.  But  I  found  that  looking  back  to  the  help  that  I 
had  before  experienced  would  not  do ;  the  manna  of  yester- 
day was  not  for  to-day  ! 

QUESTIONS  FOE  MYSELF. 

First, — Hast  thou  this  day  been  honest  and  true,  in 
performing  thy  duty  towards  thy  Creator  in  the  first  place  ? 
and  secondly,  towards  thy  fellow-creatures  ;  or  hast  thou 
sophisticated  and  flinched  ? 

Second, — Hast  thou  been  vigilant  in  frequently  pausing  in 
the  hurry  and  career  of  the  day,  to  see  whom  thou  art  endea- 
vouring to  serve ;  whether  thy  Maker,  or  thyself  ?  And 
every  time  that  trial  or  temptation  assailed  thee,  didst  thou 
endeavour  to  look  steadily  to  the  Delivering  Power ;  even  to 
Christ,  who  can  do  all  things  for  thee  ? 

Third, — Hast  thou  endeavoured  to  perform  thy  relative 
duties  faithfully :  been  a  tender,  loving,  yielding  wife,  where 
thy  own  will  and  pleasure  were  concerned ;  a  tender,  yet 
steady  mother  with  thy  children,  making  thyself  quickly 
and  strictly  obeyed,  but  careful  in  what  thou  requirest  of 
them :  a  kind,  yet  honest  mistress,  telling  thy  servants  of 
their  faults,  when  thou  thinkest  it  for  their,  or  thy  good,  but 
never  unnecessarily  worrying  thyself,  or  them,  about  trifles  : 
and  to  every  one  endeavouring  to  do  as  thou  wouldest  be 
done  unto? 

Mildred's  Court,  First  Month,  1st,  1808. — A  new  year 
begun — and  to  me,  with  some  weight  at  my  heart ;  oh,  for 


1808.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY  133 

my  beloved's  welfare,  as  well  as  my  own  and  our  dear  lambs, 
spiritually.  May  none  of  us  prove  an  injury  to  the  principle 
we  profess  ;  and  may  we,  in  all  our  undertakings,  that  origi- 
nate in  evil,  be  marred  and  stopped  in  our  course.  Oh  !  I 
can  say,  if  Thou  seest  meet,  lead  us  not  into  temptation,  but 
deliver  us  from  evil.  I  know  how  frail  we  all  are,  may  we 
not  be  utterly  cast  off ;  may  we,  in  the  end,  prove  our 
integrity,  and  all  be  given  up  to  follow  the  good  alone,  in 
the  newness  of  life.  How  grievous  to  serve  the  evil  one ;  and 
how  sweet  to  follow  Him,  the  Shepherd  of  Israel ;  and  lead 
others,  in  -ever  so  small  a  measure,  to  do  so.  0  Lord !  I  pray 
for  mercy,  give  us  not  up  to  the  will  of  the  enemy :  may  we 
live  to  show  forth  Thy  praise !  I  am  favoured  in  some  small 
measure  to  hope  in  the  Lord,  and  to  rejoice  in  the  power  of 
His  salvation ;  for  indeed  He  can  deliver  from  evil. 

1.5th. — I  yesterday  felt  a  good  deal  about  Mary  Ann 

coming  to  teach  the  children  and  live  here,  fearing  for  the 
peace  of  our  nursery  establishment ;  and  I  did  desire  that  I 
might,  in  those  matters,  receive  the  Divine  Blessing :  for  to 
me  it  is  no  light  matter  to  direct  my  household  and  children ; 
and  I  feel  in  that,  as  in  all  other  things,  without  Divine  as- 
sistance what  can  I  do  ? 

Second  Month,  18th. — Oh,  that  my  faith  fail  not,  but  that 
I  may  be  enabled  to  look  to  the  right  place  for  support ! 

Her  fifth  child  was  born  in  the  Second  Month.  In  the 
Fifth  Month  following,  Elizabeth,  wife  of  her  eldest  brother 
John,  died,  after  a  lingering  illness.  She  was  cut  off  in  the 
bloom  of  youth,  and  the  height  of  human  prosperity,  at  a 
period  when  the  large  family  of  which  she  was  a  member, 
were  in  the  enjoyment  of  this  world's  brightest  prospects. 

Fifth  Month,  27th. — Since  I  last  wrote,  I  have  gone 
through  much  trouble.  Last  Seventh-day  week,  an  account 
was  received  of  the  death  of  our  miv'jh  loved  sister,  Eliza- 
beth Gurney.  I  felt  it  deeply  ;  diL.iflg  her  illness  my  heart 


134  LIPB    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1808. 

cried  unto  the  Lord  for  mercy,  and  that  He  would  take  her 
unto  Himself,  and  that  her  transgressions  might  be  blotted 
out.  Being  still  so  much  inclined  to  trying,  nervous  feelings, 
made  me  feel  it  in  a  more  painful  way.  Not  finding  any  rest 
away  from  them  all,  Joseph  and  I  went  to  Lynn — an  afflict- 
ing time.  On  Third-day  morning,  I  had  a  most  affecting 
meeting  with  dear  John,  yet  felt  myself  far  too  weak,  poor, 
and  in  too  painfully  nervous  a  state,  to  afford  him  comfort  • 
but  rather  needed  it  myself.  It  was  a  very  melting  inter- 
view. The  remainder  of  the  day,  being  spent  in  the  house 
with  the  dear  remains,  was  really  sweet  to  me  ;  I  had  comfort 
in  my  sorrow.  Fourth-day,  we  left  Lynn  for  Earlham.  The 
next  morning  was  the  funeral  at  Norwich,  and  poor  I,  hard- 
ened, and  almost  entirely  devoted  to  my  own  nervous  feelings. 
This  was  a  trial  to  me,  when  I  had  hoped  to  have  been  en- 
abled to  seek  after  the  best  help  for  the  dear  afflicted ;  and 
also  to  feel  on  account  of  our  much  loved  lost  Elizabeth. 
But  I  desired  that  this  humiliating  dispensation  might  be  for 
my  good. 

Earlham,  Eighth  Month,  20th. — I  have  been  married  eight 
years  yesterday.  Various  trials  of  faith  and  patience  have 
been  permitted  me ;  my  course  has  been  very  different  to 
what  I  had  expected,  and  instead  of  being,  as  I  had  hoped,  a 
useful  instrument  in  the  Church  Militant,  here  I  am  a  care- 
worn wife  and  mother,  outwardly,  nearly  devoted  to  the 
things  of  this  life.  Though,  at  times,  this  difference  in  my 
destination  has  been  trying  to  me,  yet,  I  believe  those  trials 
(which  have  certainly  been  very  pinching)  that  I  have  had 
to  go  through,  have  been  very  useful,  and  brought  me  to 
a  feeling  sense  of  what  I  am ;  and  at  the  same  time  have 
taught  me  where  power  is,  and  in  what  we  are  to  glory ;  not 
in  ourselves,  nor  in  anything  we  can  be,  or  do,  but  we  are 
alone  to  desire  that  He  may  be  glorified,  either  through  us, 
or  others,  in  our  being  something,  or  nothing,  as  He  may  see 
best  for  us.  I  have  seen,  particularly  in  our  spiritual  allot- 
ments, that  it  is  not  in  man  that  walketh  to  direct  his  steps ; 


1808.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  135 

it  is  our  place,  only  to  be  as  passive  clay  in  His  holy  hands ; 
simply  and  singly  desiring,  that  He  would  make  us  what  He 
would  have  us  to  be.  But  the  way  in  which  this  great  work 
is  to  be  effected,  we-  must  leave  to  Him,  who  has  been  the 
Author,  and  we  may  trust  will  be  the  Finisher  of  the  work : 
and  we  must  not  be  surprised  to  find  it  going  on  differently, 
to  what  our  frail  hearts  would  desire. 

I  may  also  acknowledge  that,  through  all  my  trials,  there 
does  appear  to  have  been  a  particular  blessing  attending  me, 
both  as  to  the  fatness  of  the  land  and  the  dew  of  Heaven ; 
for  though  I  have  been  at  times  deeply  tried,  inwardly  and 
outwardly,  yet  I  have  always  found  the  delivering  Arm  has 
been  near  at  hand,  and  the  trials  have  appeared  blessed  to 
me.  The  little  efforts,  or  small  acts  of  duty,  I  have  ever 
performed,  have  often  seemed  remarkably  blessed  to  me ; 
and  where  others  have  been  concerned,  it  has  also,  I  think, 
been  apparent  in  them,  that  the  effort  on  my  part,  has  been 
blessed  to  both  parties.  Also,  what  shall  I  say  when  I  look 
at  my  husband  and  my  five  lovely  babes  ?  How  I  have  been 
favoured  to  recover  from  illnesses,  and  to  get  through  them 
without  material  injury  in  any  way.  I  also  observe,  how 
any  little  care  towards  my  servants  appears  to  have  been 
blessed,  and  what  faithful  and  kind  friends  to  me,  I  have 
found  them.  Indeed,  I  cannot  enumerate  my  blessings  ;  but 
I  may  truly  say,  that  of  all  the  blessings  I  have  received, 
and  still  receive,  there  is  none  to  compare  to  believing  that  I 
am  not  yet  forsaken,  but  notwithstanding  all  my  deviations, 
in  mercy  cared  for.  And  (if  all  the  rest  be  taken  from  me) 
far  above  all,  I  desire,  that  if  I  should  be  led  through  paths 
I  know  not  of,  which  may  try  my  weak  faith  and  nature,  I 
may  not  lose  my  faith  in  Thee ;  but  may  increasingly  love 
Thee ;  delight  to  follow  after  Thee,  and  be  singly  Thine ; 
giving  all  things  up  to  Thee,  who  hast  hitherto  been  my  only 
merciful  Protector  and  Preserver. 

Again,  sickness  and  death  were  permitted  to  enter  her 
immediate  circle.  Henceforward,  Elizabeth  Fry  was  fro- 


136  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1808. 

quently  called  upon  to  witness  the  last  moments  of  some, 
and  largely  to  sympathize  in  the  afflictions  of  others.  She 
was  now  to  partake  personally  in  the  solemn  scene  of  death, 
on  occasion  of  the  decease  of  her  father-in-law,  William  Storrs 
Fry ;  this  event  took  place  at  Mildred's  Court,  where  she 
had  nursed  him  assiduously  during  some  weeks'  illness.  To 
the  latest  period  of  her  life,  she  dwelt  with  pleasure  on  the 
satisfaction  and  privilege  of  having  been  permitted  to  be  a 
comfort  and  assistance  to  him  during  his  passage  through  the 
dark  valley.  He  was  a  man  of  piety  and  of  an  amiable 
disposition,  and  had  endeared  himself  to  her  by  gentleness 
and  affectionate  attention.  His  decease  produced  an  impor- 
tant change  in  her  circumstances,  causing  the  removal  of  the 
family  to  Plashet. 

Mildred's  Court,  Tenth  Month,  YIth. — We  have  had  my 
poor  father  Fry  here  for  five  weeks,  very  ill  indeed  ;  and 
last  Seventh-day  morning,  at  a  little  before  two  o'clock,  he 
died.  This  was  to  me  a  very  affecting  time,  not  so  much  so 
on  his  own  account,  as  we  had  reason  to  hope  and  believe  it 
was  well  with  him  ;  but  the  awful  sight  of  death  was  very 
overcoming  to  me,  never  having  witnessed  such  a  scene  be- 
fore. But  I  often  had  very  sweet  and  refreshing  moments 
by  his  bed-side  :  and  from  his  own  expressions,  we  had 
great  reason  for  hope — at  one  time  he  said,  he  had  no  fear, 
and  indeed  it  appeared  a  well-grounded  feeling.  During  the 
first  part  of  his  illness,  while  at  Mildred's  Court,  death  ap- 
peared to  him  in  an  awful,  and  almost  dreadful  point  of 
view ;  he  desired  life  for  a  little  longer  to  prove  his  further 
dedication ;  this  he  often  expressed.  After  he  was  confined 
up  stairs,  he  seemed  more  to  feel  the  necessity  of  an  interest 
in  that  Power  which  can  alone  do  all  things  for  us,  and 
prove  indeed  our  salvation,  for  it  is  only  through  the  re- 
deeming power  of  Christ,  we  can  look  for  salvation.  He 
said,  he  felt  himself,  "  a  poor  repentant  nothing ;"  and 
"  alone  depended  on  mercy."  Some  days  after  that,  he 


1808.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  137 

said  he  had  "no  fear:"  and  one  morning  when  we  thought 
him  dying,  he  said,  we  "  need  not  be  afraid,  for  he  was  com- 
fortable, comfortable,  comfortable."  I,  with  many  others 
wept,  I  believe  with  thankfulness.  I  felt  little  less  than  joy, 
as  I  did  at  one  or  two  other  times  in  the  room.  There  was 
such  sweetness  attending  him.  It  is  certainly  an  encourag- 
ing consideration,  for  it  shows  to  me  that  it  does  not  much 
signify  what  talent  is  committed  to  us,  if  we  be  but  faithful 
with  it.  My  dear  father-in-law  was  not  one  that  had  great 
things  required  of  him,  apparently ;  but  being  faithful  in 
the  little,  we  need  not  doubt,  he  now  possesses  more.  I 
loved  him  very  dearly,  and  his  memory  is  sweet  to  me ;  I 
have  a  pleasure  in  considering  I  was  able  to  nurse  him  in 
his  last  illness.  There  is  one  remark  I  make,  that  I  believe 
it  is  through  Christ  we  are  saved,  but  I  would  not  have 
that  lessen  our  diligence  to  work  out  our  own  salvation,  for  I 
believe  those  who  endeavour  to  follow  Him,  are  enabled  to 
have  faith,  and  have  an  interest  in  that  power  that  can  save. 
Eleventh  Month,  10th. — I  have  hardly  settled  at  home 
since  my  dear  father's  death.  Last  First-day,  I  was  sent 
for  to  see  my  dear  sister  Hannah,  who  was  very  poorly  ;  it 
proved  to  be  the  scarlet  fever,  and  being  the  only  sister  at 
liberty,  I  have  nursed  her.  This  I  consider  a  great  privilege 
to  be  able  to  do ;  though  I  have  felt  it  a  very  serious  thing, 
with  a  young  babe,  and  the  mother  of  so  many  little  lambs, 
to  enter  so  catching  a  disorder.  I  have  desired  that  I  might 
not  enter  it  in  my  own  will,  or  simply  to  gratify  inclination, 
which  leads  me  to  enjoy  nursing  those  I  love  so  dearly :  cir- 
cumstances appeared  to  bring  me  into  it,  indeed  I  had  hardly 
an  option,  as  I  was  in  the  first  instance  brought  into  it,  not 
knowing  what  the  complaint  was  ;  and  in  the  second,  there 
was  no  one  else  that  I  thought  proper  to  fill  my  place,  as 
my  sister  Louisa  was  prevented.  I  have  desired  that  what 
is  really  best  for  me  may  occur,  even  if  it  be  to  pass  through 
trouble.  But  if  my  merciful  Creator  sees  meet  to  preserve 
me  and  my  family,  from  any  further  suffering  on  this  ac- 
18 


138  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1808. 

count,  jnay  I  be  enabled  to  give  the  praise  where  it  is  due, 
and  may  it  afresh  stimulate  me  to  seek  with  renewed  vigi- 
lance, to  dedicate  myself,  and  all  that  belongs  to  me,  to  Him 
whom  my  poor,  weak,  unworthy  soul  loves ;  I  could  think 
beyond  everything  ;  though  I  know  the  world  has  a  strong 
hold,  and  perhaps  my  heart  is  more  devoted  to  it,  than  to 
its  Creator.  I  feel  thankful  for  my  beloved  sister  being 
better. 

Flasket,  20th. — Though  I  have  been  but  very  delicate  in 
my  health  the  last  week,  yet  I  have  been  favoured  with 
sweet  and  precious  moments.  I  have  felt  sweet  peace,  not 
exactly  the  peace  arising  from  any  act  of  obedience  in  par- 
ticular ;  but  unmerited,  unlocked  for  quietness  of  soul,  so  that 
I  could  say,  my  peace  flows  as  a  river!  not  that  my  natural 
spirits  have  been  high,  far  from  it ;  but  there  has,  at  times,  been 
an  enjoyment  in  the  low  valley,  far  above  any  feeling  of  ex- 
hilaration ;  and  I  have  been  reminded  of  that  text,  "  Thou  wilt 
keep  him  in  perfect  peace,  whose  mind  is  staid  on  Thee." 
Though,  as  I  said  before,  I  am  conscious  that  this  is  quite  an 
unmerited  state ;  and  also  how  little  I  have  done,  towards 
trying  to  stay  my  mind  in  the  right  place.  No  one,  as  yet, 
has  taken  the  complaint  of  my  sister,  which  I  consider  a 
great  outward  blessing ;  may  I  be  enabled  to  give  thanks, 
and  to  prove  ray  thankfulness,  by  more  and  more  endea- 
vouring to  give  up  body,  soul,  and  spirit,  to  the  service  of 
my  beloved  Master ;  if  I  dare  say  so  of  Him,  whom  my 
soul  delights  to  serve. 

Fragment  that  occurs  at  this  part  of  the  Journal. 

Children  should  be  deeply  impressed  with  the  belief,  that 
the  first  and  great  object  of  their  education  is,  to  follow 
Christ,  and  indeed  to  be  true  Christians  :  and  those  things 
on  which  we,  the  Society  of  Friends,  differ  from  the  world 
in  general,  should  not,  I  think,  be  impressed  on  them,  by 
only  saying,  as  is  often  done,  "  because  Friends  do  it ;"  but 


1809.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  139 

singly  and  simply  as  things  that  the  Christian  life  appears 
to  us  to  require,  and  that  therefore  they  must  be  done. 
They  should  also  early  be  taught,  that  all  have  not  seen 
exactly  the  same  ;  but  that  there  are  many,  equally  belong- 
ing to  the  church  of  Christ,  who  may,  in  other  respects,  be 
as  much  stricter  than  ourselves,  as  we  are  than  they  in  these 
matters.  But  this  does  not  at  all  lessen  the  necessity  of  our 
employing  a  simple  mode  of  expressing  ourselves,  who  are 
permitted  to  see  the  consistency  and  propriety  of  it. 

(Signed)        ELIZABETH  FRY. 

30/A. — At  this  time  there  is  no  set  of  people  I  feel  so 
much  about,  as  servants : — I  do  not  think  they  have  gene- 
rally justice  done  to  them ;  they  are  too  much  considered  as 
another  race  of  beings,  and  we  are  apt  to  forget  that  the 
holy  injunction  holds  good  with  them,  "  Do  as  thou  wouldest 
be  done  unto,"  and  I  believe  that,  in  striving  to  do  so,  we 
shall  not  take  them  out  of  their  station  in  life  ;  but  endea- 
vour to  render  them  happy  and  contented  in  it,  and  be  truly 
their  friends,  though  not  their  familiars,  or  equals,  as  to  the 
things  of  this  life ;  for  we  have  reason  to  believe  the  differ- 
ence in  our  stations  is  ordered  by  a  wiser  than  ourselves, 
who  directs  us  how  to  fill  our  different  places ;  but  we  must 
endeavour  never  to  forget,  that,  in  the  best  sense,  we  are 
all  one,  and  though  our  paths  here  may  be  different,  we  have 
all  souls  equally  valuable,  and  have  all  the  same  work  to  do ; 
which,  if  properly  considered,  should  lead  us  to  great  sym- 
pathy and  love,  and  also  to  a  constant  care  for  their  welfare, 
both  here  and  hereafter. 

Mildred 's  Court,  Second  Month,  14th,  1809.— The  thought 
of  forming  a  new  establishment  at  Plashet,  with  servants, 
&c.,  is,  to  me,  a  very  serious  one.  I  find  it  so  difficult  fully 
to  do  my  duty  towards  them,  and  even  when  I  do,  to  give 
them  satisfaction.  My  mind  is  often  much  burdened  on  this 
subject ;  I  long  to  make  them  my  friends,  and  for  us  all  to 
live  in  harmony  and  love.  We  greatly  (I  mean  servants 


^40  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1809 

jmd  their  heads  in  general)  misunderstand  each  other;  I 
fully  believe  partly  from  our  different  situations  in  life,  and 
partly  from  our  different  educations,  and  the  way  in  which 
each  party  is  apt  to  view  the  other.  Masters  and  mistresses 
are  greatly  deficient,  I  think  in  the  general  way,  and  so  are 
most  servants  towards  them :  it  is  for  both  to  keep  in  view 
strictly  to  do  unto  others,  as  they  would  be  done  unto ;  and 
also  to  remember  that  we  are  indeed  all  one  with  God. 

Oh,  that  I  may  keep  watchful  and  near  my  Guide ;  and 
that  if  it  be  consistent  with  the  Divine  will,  I  may  be 
enabled  to  say,  "  As  for  me,  and  my  house,  we  will  serve 
the  Lord,"  and  delight  to  do  His  commandments. 


1809—1813.  Removal  to  Plashet,  enjoyment  of  the  country— Birth 
of  her  sixth  child,  1809 — Summons  into  Norfolk — Death  of  her  fa- 
ther— Extract  from  the  journal  of  Rachel  Gurney — Commencement 
of  her  public  ministry — Funeral  of  her  cousin  Anna  Reynolds — 
Letter  to  a  distant  friend — Visit  to  Earlham — Journey  into  Glou- 
cestershire— Birth  of  her  seventh  child,  1811 — Acknowledged  as  a 
minister  by  Friends — Attention  to  the  Poor,  School,  &c. — Norwich 
Bible  Society — Death  of  a  little  niece — Journey  with  Henry  Hull 
and  her  sister,  Priscilla  Gurney — Visit  to  the  Meetings  of  Friends 
in  Norfolk — Extract  from  a  letter  to  her  cousin,  J.  G.  Bevan — Let- 
ter to  Edward  Edwards — Death  of  a  domestic  servant — Death  of 
Eliza  Shepherd — Birth  of  her  eighth  child,  1812 — Letter  to  her 
cousin,  J.  G.  Bevan — Removal  to  London  for  the  winter — Religious 
visit  to  Friends  of  the  London  Quarterly  Meeting — For  the  first  time 
goes  to  Newgate — State  of  that  prison. 

IN  the  spring  of  1^09,  Joseph  and  Elizabeth  Fry  removed 
to  Plashet. 

This  change,  from  the  smoke  and  din  of  a  crowded  city,  to 
the  calm  tranquillity  of  the  country  was  most  delightful.  It 
was  a  renewal  of  early  tastes  and  pleasures,  not  the  less  ap- 
preciated because  years  of  vicissitudes  had  passed  over  her, 
leaving  traces  of  hard-earned  experience.  She  had  remark- 
ably the  talent  of  throwing  aside  graver  objects,  and,  for 
short  intervals,  divesting  herself  of  care.  She  would  enjoy 
her  garden  and  flowers,  generally  with  some  of  her  children 
about  her,  and  then  as  quickly  resume  her  employments. 
Although  these  occupations  appeared  different,  there  was 
unity  of  purpose  in  the  whole.  She  desired  to  serve  God 
in  the  fulfilment  of  her  daily  duties  ;  she  offered  to  Him  the 
sacrifice  of  thanksgiving,  by  the  spirit  in  which  she  accepted 

(141) 


142  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1809. 

and  enjoyed  His  beauties  in  creation.  Her  brow  would 
relax,  and  her  countenance  beam  with  intelligence,  as  she 
explained  to  her  children  the  wonders  of  the  Heavenly 
bodies,  the  structure  of  an  insect,  or  the  growth  and  beauty 
of  a  flower. 

In  the  dealings  of  God  with  man,  there  is  a  marvellous 
adaptation  to  the  respective  powers  and  circumstances  of 
each  individual.  When  he  requires  unusual  service,  or  pecu- 
liarly active  devotion  to  the  cause  of  religion  upon  earth, 
He  frequently  bestows  with  it,  a  power  in  proportion,  of 
receiving  refreshment  and  delight  from  the  outward  blessings 
of  life.  That  many  refuse  to  enjoy,  and  deny  themselves 
the  good  things  that  He  has  provided  for  Hia  children, 
proves  nothing  against  the  bounty  and  indulgence  of  the 
hand  which  proffers  them.  After  the  deepest  conflicts  of 
spirit,  amidst  heavy  and  peculiar  sorrows,  she,  whose  cha- 
racter we  desire  to  portray,  would  turn  with  a  thankful 
heart  to  the  blessings  granted ;  her  courage  raised,  her  faith 
strengthened,  by  thus  dwelling  on  His  wonderful  goodness 
to  the  children  of  men. 

Plashet,  Third  Month,  8th,  1809. — My  dearest  little  Rachel 
has  been  seriously  unwell  for  some  time  past,  so  as  to  make 
me  very  low  at  times ;  but  I  have  not  suffered  much  from 
painful  anxiety,  as,  in  mercy,  I  may  say  I  have  been  screened 
from  that  feeling.  I  desire,  with  regard  to  my  dear  lambs, 
to  be  ready  to  give  them  up,  if  called  for  at  my  hand ;  for 
we  know  not  what  is  best  for  them  ;  and  I  believe  we  should 
seek  to  look  upon  them,  as  charges  committed  to  our  steward- 
ship, and  not  as  our  property. 

Plashet,  Sixth  Month,  13th. — After  having  gone  through 
so  much  since  I  last  wrote,  it  is  difficult  for  me  to  express  all, 
but  more  particularly  from  rather  unusual  and  repeated  causes 
of  thankfulness,  in  having  experienced  the  Divine  Arm  held 
out  for  my  encouragement  and  help.  I  had  one  or  two  very 
striking  times  during  the  Yearly  Meeting,  as  if  meant  to  con- 


1809.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  143 

firm  my  poor,  feeble  faith.  Once,  when  dear  Ann  Crowley 
and  John  Hull  dined  with  us  ;  before  a  word  was  spoken,  or 
the  cloth  was  removed  from  the  table,  my  soul  was  brought 
from  a  dry,  flat,  insensible  state,  to  be  humbly  prostrate 
before  Him,  whom  it  has  at  times  desired  to  serve.  So  much 
so,  that  I  felt  that  this  was  enough,  without  words  from 
others  :  but  it  was  not  long  before  dear  Ann  Crowley  had  to 
express  the  same,  and  told  me  the  very  thoughts  and 
feelings  of  my  mind  and  heart.  It  was  indeed  a  wonderful 
confirmation ;  almost  like  seeing  face  to  face  in  a  glass. 
What  a  blessing  to  be  under  such  a  living  ministry,  that  speaks 
to,  and  reveals  the  innermost  soul !  Since  the  Yearly  Meet- 
ing, I  have  been  greatly  helped  and  supported  through  the 
trial  of  my  dear  sister  Elizabeth  Gurney's  confinement, 
which,  at  one  time,  I  felt  no  strength  to  encounter ;  but 
power  and  courage  were  given  me  sufficient  for  the  day. 

Seventh  Month,  3rd. — I  have,  as  usual,  to  acknowledge 
many  mercies  received  by  me ;  I  have  been  greatly  occupied 
in  attending  my  sister  Fry,  who  had  been  dangerously  ill, 
from  breaking  a  blood-vessel.  I  have  felt  her  patient  con- 
duct an  example  to  me. 

Ninth  Month,  13th. — Time  runs  on  apace.  I  desire  my 
imagination  may  not  dwell  on  that  which  is  before  it. 
Every  outward  thing  appears  nearly,  if  not  quite  ready;  and 
as  for  the  inward  preparation,  I  cannot  prepare  myself. 

Hor  sixth  child  was  born  on  the  20th  of  this  month. 

23rd. — On  Fourth-day,  my  lovely  boy  was  born.  I  had 
to  acknowledge  present  help  in  trouble,  so  that  I  could  only 
give  thanks ;  indeed  I  have  renewed  cause  for  thankfulness 
and  praise,  which  my  poor,  unworthy  mind  has  felt  little  able 
to  render  since,  being  weak  at  times,  tempted  and  tried; 
but  I  desire  to  abide  near,  and  cling  to  that  Power,  that  can 
pardon  and  deliver. 

Tenth  Month,  6th. — Yesterday  I  was  much  affected  by  an 


144  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1809. 

account  of  poor  dear  nurse  at  Earlham,  being  dangerously 
ill  of  scarlet  fever,  at  Lynn,  and  not  likely  to  live.  Sweet 
love  and  unity  I  have  towards  her,  accompanied  by  a  feeling 
belief  that  it  will  be  well  with  her,  in  life  or  in  death ;  for  I 
could  almost  say,  she  bore  the  mark  of  her  high  calling,  being 
a  living  example  in  the  house ;  not  a  talker,  but  a  doer  of 
the  work ;  at  least  so  she  appeared  to  me.  This  awfully 
brings  death  home,  which  indeed  I  feel  hardly  able  to  look 
at  in  my  own  power,  but  it  is  one  of  those  subjects  upon 
which  I  do  not  desire  often  to  dwell,  I  had  rather  look  to  the 
work  of  each  hour  as  it  comes :  and  oh,  when  it  please  the 
Master  to  call  me  hence,  may  He  find  me  watching ! 

6th. — The  account  of  dear  nurse's  death  arrived  yester- 
day ;  in  her,  we  have  all  lost  a  most  valuable  friend. 

Her  father's  health  appeared  failing,  and  she  thus  alludes 
to  it: 

Tunbridge  Wells,  ~LC>th. — Since  I  last  wrote,  I  have  had 
much  to  feel  on  account  of  my  dear  father  :  dearest  Priscilla 
has  also  had  the  scarlet  fever.  I  have  felt  all  these  things : 
but  not  in  a  distressing  way,  having  more  hope  than  fear, 
and  both  of  them  going  on  well  has  been  a  comfort  to  me. 
With  regard  to  myself,  my  health  has  altogether  continued 
finely ;  n  little  more  nervous  trial  the  last  day  or  two.  But 
I  desire  to  be  submissive  and  quiet  if  I  can,  under  whatever 
may  come,  if  it  be  right  that  I  should  be  tried.  Having  no 
Meeting  here,  we  yesterday  sat  silently  together  in  the 
family  ;  and  I  have  to  relate  what  has  pained  me  with  regard 
to  myself.  There  appeared,  on  our  first  sitting  down,  so 
solemn  a  covering,  but,  notwithstanding  all  my  covenants, 
and  all  my  good  desires,  I  flinched  in  spirit,  and  turned  my 
mind  from  it,  instead  of  feeling,  "  Speak,  Lord,  for  thy  servant 
heareth ;"  my  great  fear  was,  lest  I  should  have  to  acknow- 
ledge, that  I  believed  the  promise  was  verified  with  us, 
"  where  two  or  three  are  met  together  in  My  name,  there 
am  I  in  the  midst  of  them." 


1809.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  145 

Now,  I  think  it  very  likely  I  should  not  have  found  myself 
thus  called  upon :  but  my  fear  was  so  great,  that  I  dare  not 
ask  whether  it  were  the  right  call  or  not,  but  turned  from  it. 
This  has  renewedly  led  me  to  see  what  I  am,  and  humbly  to 
desire,  feeling  my  own  extreme  weakness  and  rebellious  heart, 
that  He,  who  has  in  mercy  begun  the  work  in  me,  will  be 
pleased  still  to  carry  it  on,  and  to  grant  ability  to  do  that 
which  he  may  require  at  my  hands.  I  could  almost  have 
said,  yesterday,  "  Let  not  Thine  hand  spare,  nor  Thine  eye 
pity,  until  thou  hast  made  me  what  Thou  wouldest  have  me 
to  be;"  and  yet,  afterwards,  I  was  more  disposed  to  say, 
"  Be  pleased  to  mix  mercy  with  judgment."  I  had  a  sweet 
little  encouragement  during  my  confinement;  being  one 
morning  rather  remarkably  led  to  feel  for  a  young  woman 
whom  I  believed  to  be  devoted  to  the  world ;  and  that  very 
person  calling  a  few  hours  afterwards,  though  I  did  not  know 
she  was  coming,  I  was  enabled  to  express  what  I  felt  to  her, 
and  had  to  experience  the  truth  of  that  text,  "  in  the  day  of 
my  power  my  people  shall  be  made  a  willing  people  :"  it  ap- 
peared as  if  this  were  granted  to  help  me  through  it,  in  my 
very  weak  state :  may  I  show  my  gratitude  by  further  obedi- 
ence, when  power  is  less  manifested. 

Earlham,  30th. — I  hardly  know  how  to  express  myself: — 
I  have  indeed  passed  through  wonders.  On  the  26th,  as  we 
were  sitting  quietly  together,  (after  my  dear  sister  llichenda 
had  left  us,  and  my  soul  had  bowed  on  my  beloved  father's 
account,  of  whom  we  had  daily  very  poor  reports,)  an  express 
arrived  bringing  Chenda  back,  saying  our  most  dear  father 
was  so  ill,  that  they  did  not  expect  his  life  would  be  spared. 
Words  fall  short  to  describe  what  I  felt,  he  was  so  tenderly 
near  and  dear  to  me.  We  soon  believed  it  best  to  set  off  for 
this  place,  on  some  accounts  under  great  discouragement,  prin- 
cipally from  my  own  bodily  weakness,  and  also  the  fever  in 
the  house  ;  but  it  did  not  appear  as  if  we  could  omit  it,  feeling 
as  we  did ;  therefore,  after  a  tender  parting  with  my  beloved 
flock,  my  dearest  Joseph,  Chenda,  and  I  with  the  baby,  set  off. 
19 


146  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1809. 

We  arrived  at  Mildred's  Court  the  first  night,  where  our 
dear  sister  left  us,  in  hopes  of  seeing  our  parent  alive.  In 
very  great  weakness  I  set  off  the  next  morning,  and  had,  at 
times,  great  discouragements ;  but  many  hours  were  comfort- 
ing and  sweet.  ~  Hearing  on  the  road,  at  the  different  stages, 
that  my  dearest  father  was  living,  we  proceeded  till  we 
arrived  at  Earlham,  about  twelve  o'clock  that  night.  We 
got  out  of  the  carriage,  and  once  more,  saw  him  who  has 
been  so  inexpressibly  dear  to  me  through  life,  since  I  knew 
what  love  was  ;  he  was  asleep,  but  death  was  strongly  marked 
on  his  sweet,  and  to  me,  beautiful  face.  Whilst  in  his  room, 
all  was  sweetness,  nothing  bitter,  though  how  I  feel  his  loss 
is  hard  to  express  :  but  indeed  I  have  had  abundant  cause 
to  rejoice  on  his  account.  After  very  deep  probation,  his 
mind  was  strikingly  visited,  and  consoled,  at  last,  in  passing 
through  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death.  He  frequently 
expressed  that  he  feared  no  evil,  but  believed  that,  through 
the  mercy  of  God  in  Christ,  he  should  be  received  in^glory ; 
his  deep  humility,  and  the  tender  and  loving  state  he  was 
in,  were  most  valuable  to  those  around  him.  He  encouraged 
us,  his  children,  to  hold  on  our  way ;  and  sweetly  expressed 
his  belief,  that  our  love  of  good  (in  the  degree  we  had  it) 
had  been  a  stimulus  and  help  to  him. 

The  next  morning  he  died,  'quite  easily  ;  I  was  not  with 
him,  but  on  entering  his  room  soon  after  it  was  over,  my 
soul  was  bowed  within  me,  in  love,  not  only  for  the  deceased, 
but  also  for  the  living,  and  in  humble  thankfulness ;  so  that 
I  could  hardly  help  uttering  (which  I  did)  my  thanksgiving 
and  praise,  and  also  what  I  felt  for  the  living,  as  well  as 
the  dead.  I  cannot  understand  it :  but  the  power  given 
was  wonderful  to  myself,  and  the  cross  none — my  heart  was 
so  full  that  I  could  hardly  hinder  utterance. 

She  repeated  the  passage  from  the  Revelation  which  she 
afterwards  uttered  at  the  funeral,  "  Great  and  marvellous 
are  Thy  works,  Lord  God  Almighty ;  just  and  true  are  thy 


1809.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  147 

ways,  thou  King  of  saints."  Her  sister  Rachel  thus  de- 
scribes it — "  Dear  Betsy  uttered  thanksgiving,  and  a  song 
of  rejoicing,  for  mercy  that  had  been  so  richly  extended  to 
our  beloved  father;  and  a  prayer,  that  it  might  be  continued 
to  us  all." 

I  have  desired  since  to  leave  this  event ;  but  it  was  a  glo- 
rious time,  such  an  one  as  I  never  before  passed  through,  all 
love,  all  joy,  all  peace,  or  the  nearest  I  think  to  that  state, 
that  I  ever  experienced.  I  had  the  first  night  of  coming,  a 
few  nervous  and  painful  moments  about  the  scarlet  fever,  on 
account  principally  of  my  beloved  flock  at  home ;  and  a  fear, 
whether  in  my  weak  state  of  body,  it  might  not  be  too  much 
for  me.  But  love  so  powerfully  drew  me  to  them,  that  I 
believe  I  could  not  properly  have  staid  away ;  and  indeed  I 
have  felt  in  my  place,  as  far  as  I  could  tell.  Should  I  for- 
sake my  beloved  family  in  the  day  of  trouble  ?  I  hope,  and 
believe  not !  we  have  had  most  valuable  and  sweetly  enliven- 
ing times  together ;  all  love ;  I  believe  each  of  our  hearts 
quickened,  to  feel  fresh  and  renewed  desire  to  be  dedicated 
to  His  service,  who  has  thus  shown  Himself  in  mercy  to  our 
beloved  father.  What  can  we  render  for  all  these  benefits? 

Eleventh  Month,  3rd. — We  attended  our  beloved  father's 
funeral.  Before  I  went,  I  was  so  deeply  impressed  at  times, 
with  love  to  all,  and  thanksgiving,  that  I  doubted  whether  it 
might  not  possibly  be  my  place  to  express  it  there ;  but  I  did, 
the  evening  before,  humbly  crave  not  to  be  permitted  to  do 
so,  unless  rightly  called  to  it.  Fear  of  man  appeared  greatly 
taken  away.  I  sat  the  meeting  under  a  solemn  quietness, 
though  there  was  preaching  that  neither  disturbed  nor  en- 
livened me  much  :  the  same  words  still  powerfully  impressed 
me,  that  had  done  ever  since  I  first  entered  the  room  where 
the  corpse  was.  Upon  going  to  the  grave  this  still  continued ; 
under  this  solemn  quiet  calm,  the  fear  of  man  appeared  so 
much  removed,  that  I  believe  my  sole  desire  was,  that  the 
will  of  God  might  be  done  in  me.  Though  it  was  unpleasant 


148  LIFE   OF   ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1809. 

to  ine,  what  man  might  say,  yet  I  most  feared  it  was  a  tempta- 
tion, owing  to  my  state  of  sorrow  ;  but  that,  I  fully  believe 
was  not  the  case,  as  something  of  the  kind  had  been  on  my 
mind  so  long ;  but  it  had  appeared  more  ripe  the  last  few 
weeks,  and  even  months,  I  had  so  often  had  to  "  rejoice  in 
the  Lord,  and  glory  in  the  God  of  my  salvation ;"  that  it 
had  made  me  desire,  that  others  might  partake,  and  know 
how  good  he  had  been  to  my  soul,  and  be  encouraged  to 
walk  in  those  paths,  which  I  had  found  to  be  paths  of  pleas- 
antness and  peace.  However,  after  a  solemn  waiting,  my 
dear  uncle  Joseph  spoke,  greatly  to  my  encouragement  and 
comfort,  and  the  removal  of  some  of  my  fears.  I  remained 
still,  till  dearest  John  began  to  move  to  go  away ;  when  it 
appeared  as  if  it  could  not  be  omitted,  and  I  fell  on  my 
knees,  and  began,  not  knowing  how  I  should  go  on,  with 
these  words,  "  Great  and  marvellous  are  thy  works,  Lord 
God  Almighty,  just  and  true  are  all  Thy  ways,  Thou  King 
of  Saints  ;  be  pleased  to  receive  our  thanksgiving ;"  and 
there  I  seemed  stopped,  though  I  thought  that  I  should  have 
had  to  express,  that  I  gave  thanks  on  my  beloved  father's 
account.  But  not  feeling  the  power  continue,  I  arose  directly ; 
a  quiet,  calm,  and  invigorated  state,  mental  and  bodily,  were 
my  portion  afterwards,  and  altogether  a  sweet  day,  but  a  very 
painful  night,  discouraged  on  every  side,  I  could  believe,  by 
him  who  tries  to  deceive.  The  discouragement  appeared  to 
arise  principally  from  what  others  would  think,  and  nature 
flinched,  and  sank,  but  I  was  enabled  this  morning  to  com- 
mit myself  in  prayer.  May  I  be  preserved  in  future,  if  my 
life  be  spared,  from  taking  Thy  holy  name  in  vain  ;  enable 
me,  if  Thou  seest  meet,  to  follow  hard  after  Thee,  that  I  may 
know  Thy  voice,  Thou  Shepherd  and  Bishop  of  souls,  and 
be  as  one  of  Thy  sheep  !  It  was  my  prayer  this  morning,  to 
be  able  to  turn  from  the  subject,  as  my  poor,  weak  mind  felt 
hardly  able  to  look  at  it,  which  was  in  some  measure  the 
case.  This  day  has  altogether  been  a  comfortable  one,  though 
very  low  at  times,  and  having  to  walk  in  the  valley ;  may  I 


1809.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  149 

be  enabled,  if  it  be  right  for  me,  to  trust,  and  not  to  fear.  I 
have  greatly  felt  my  beloved  father's  loss  to-day,  and  yester- 
day ;  though  calm,  yet  I  suffered  much  on  his  account ;  he 
was  in  some  things,  like  my  heart's  delight;  I  so  enjoyed  to 
please  him,  and  was  so  fond  of  him,  that  to  hear  of  the  suf- 
ferings he  passed  through,  before  he  came  to  a  state  of 
reconciliation,  greatly  affected  me  to-day ;  but  I  have  had 
more  comfort  on  his  account,  ^than  anything  else.  The 
great  love  and  kindness  I  have  received  from  them  all,  and 
from  my  uncle  Joseph,  has  been  encouraging  to  me ;  and 
my  husband  has  been  a  true  helpmate,  and  sweet  counsellor. 

Some  account  of  this  scene  of  bereavement,  and  yet  of 
great  consolation,  is  extracted  from  the  journal  of  her  sister, 
Rachel  Gurney,  and  is  as  follows : — 

"  Monday,  October  23rd,  1809.— To-day  my  dear  father 
expressed  to  me  his  conviction,  of  the  necessity  of  prepar- 
ing for  another  world,  whilst  health  and  strength  were  ours  ; 
he  said,  that  he  trusted  mercy  would  be  extended  to  him,  for 
all  his  past  errors,  and  infirmities ;  and  acknowledged  thank- 
fully how  he  had  been  blessed  with  spiritual  support ;  al- 
though discouragement  and  heaviness  had  been,  at  times,  his 
portion. 

"  A  paroxysm  of  pain,  attended  with  great  anguish  of 
mind,  caused  him  to  speak  despondingly  of  his  condition ; 
and  the  text,  *  If  any  man  say  he  is  without  sin,  he  is  a  liar, 
and  the  truth  is  not  in  him,'  recurred  painfully  to  him,  until 
reminded  of  the  ensuing  verses,  '  If  any  man  sin,  wo  have 
an  Advocate  with  the  Father,  Jesus  Christ,  the  righteous,' 
&c.,  which  gave  him  some  comfort,  although  his  mind  was 
burdened,  and  his  spirit  oppressed,  by  the  remembrance  and 
consciousness  of  sin.  My  sister  Catherine  pointed  out  to 
him  the  precious  promise,  '  To  him  who  forgave  much,  shall 
much  be  forgiven,'  as  applying  particularly  to  his  case. 
This  was  to  him  a  beaming  consolation,  and  he  replied, '  Few 
men,  have,  I  believe,  forgiven  more  than  I  have.' 


150  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1809. 

"  On  Monday  night,  a  very  interesting  conversation  took 
place.  My  dear  father  spoke  of  the  purity  of  the  law  laid 
down  by  our  Saviour,  extending  even  to  the  thoughts  and 
desires,  and  lamented  his  frequent  failings,  and  sHort-com- 
ings.  He  acknowledged  that  the  love  of  religious  truth,  and 
the  conscientious  practice  which  characterized  his  children, 
had  been  the  means  of  blessing  and  instruction  to  him  ;  and 
he  sought  their  prayers  in  the  present  hour  of  extreme 
trial. 

"  I  was  composedly  observing  a  holy  peace  shedding  its 
radiance  on  his  countenance,  as  he  sank  that  night  to  rest ; 
and  I  sat  by  his  bed-side,  in  the  full  assurance  of  faith,  that 
the  Lord  was  present  with  him,  notwithstanding  the  doubts 
and  fears  which  had  oppressed  him.  Tuesday  was  a  mourn- 
ful day.  Deep  probation  of  spirit,  and  grievous  depression 
from  bodily  illness  were  his  portion,  but  he  wrestled  with 
God  in  prayer,  and  grace  and  help  were  given  him.  On 
"Wednesday  morning,  his  mind  shone  forth  in  wonderful 
brightness,  and  although  the  spasms  of  pain  which  he  en- 
dured were  agonising,  grace  appeared  to  triumph,  and  his 
spirit  seemed  to  rise  out  of  the  fiery  furnace,  purified  by 
the  Great  Refiner.  With  simplicity  and  ardour  he  laid  hold 
on  the  hope  set  before  him  ;  trusting  only  in  the  satisfaction 
that  has  been  made  for  sinners,  by  the  blood  of  Christ. 
The  consolation  attendant  upon  this  change  in  his  mind  was 
the  greater,  from  the  sore  conflicts  he  had  had  to  pass 
through  in  his  illness,  and  the  anguish  of  mind  he  had  en- 
dured. 

"  He  was  comforted  by  the  presence  of  his  children,  who 
had  assembled  around  him,  and  expressed  to  us  with  ten- 
derness and  humble  thankfulness,  his  deep  and  grateful 
sense,  that  he  owed  more  to  us  than  he  had  been  able  to 
give  us,  and  that  we  had  indeed  been  to  him  a  strength  and 
stimulus  in  all  good  things.  He  continued  in  the  possession 
of  joy  and  peace  until  his  death,  which  took  place  on  Sa- 
turday morning,  the  28th  of  October,  when  he  entered  (we 


1809.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  151 

humbly  trust)  that  region,  where  the  redeemed  ones  rejoice 
in  the  view,  as  well  as  feel  the  influence,  of  their  God." 

Plcushet,  Eleventh  Month,  16th. — "We  arrived  here  on 
Third-day  evening ;  though  plunged  into  feeling  before  I 
arrived,  I  felt  flat  on  meeting  my  tenderly  beloved  little  flock. 
I  was  enabled,  coming  along,  to  crave  help ;  in  the  first 
place,  to  be  made  willing  either  to  do,  or  to  suffer,  whatever 
was  the  Divine  will  concerning  me.  I  also  desired  that  I 
might  not  be  so  occupied  with  the  present  state  of  my  mind, 
as  to  its  religious  duties,  as  in  any  degree,  to  omit 
close  attention  to  all  daily  duties,  my  beloved  husband, 
children,  servants,  poor,  &c. ;  but  if  I  should  be  permitted 
to  enter  the  humiliating  path,  that  has  appeared  to  be 
opening  before  me,  to  look  w.ell  at  home,  and  not  discredit 
the  cause  I  desire  to  advocate.  Last  First-day  morning,  I 
had  a  deeply  trying  Meeting,  on  account  of  the  words,  "  Be 
of  good  courage,  and  he  will  strengthen  your  hearts,  all  ye 
that  hope  in  the  Lord,"  which  had  impressed  me  towards 
Norwich  Meeting  before  I  went  into  it ;  and  after  I  had  sat 
there  a  little  time  they  came  with  double  force,  and  con- 
tinued resting  on  my  mind  until  my  fright  was  extreme  ; 
and  it  appeared  almost  as  if  I  must,  if  I  did  my  duty,  utter 
them.  I  hope  I  did  not  wholly  revolt,  but  I  did  cry  in  my 
heart,  for  that  time  to  be  excused,  that  like  Samuel,  I 
might  apply  to  some  Eli  to  know  what  the  voice  was  that  I 
heard ;  my  beloved  Uncle  Joseph,  I  thought  was  the  per- 
son ;  on  this  sort  of  excuse  or  covenant,  as  I  may  call  it,  a 
calmness  was  granted  the  rest  of  the  Meeting,  but  not  the 
reward  of  peace.  As  soon  as  the  Meeting  was  over,  I  went 
to  my  dear  uncle,  and  begged  him  to  come  to  Earlham  to 
see  me.  The  conflict  I  had  passed  through  was  so  great, 
as  to  shake  my  body,  as  well  as  mind,  and  I  had  reason 
to  fear  and  to  believe,  I  should  have  been  happier,  and  much 
more  relieved  in  mind,  if  I  had  given  up  to  this  little  ser- 
vice ;  I  have  felt  since  like  one  in  debt  to  that  Meeting. 
My  dear  uncle  came,  and  only  confirmed  me,  by  his 


1">-  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1809. 

kind  advice,  to  walk  by  faith,  and  not  by  sight :  ho 
strongly  advised  a  simple  following  of  what  arose,  and  ex- 
pressed his  experience  of  the  benefit  of  giving  up  to  it,  and 
the  confusion  of  not  doing  so.  How  have  I  desired  since, 
not  to  stand  in  the  fear  of  man  ;  but  I  believe  it  is  the 
soul's  enemy,  seeking  whom  he  may  devour ;  for  terrible  as 
it  was,  as  then  presented  to  me,  and  as  it  often  had  been 
before,  yet,  when  some  ability  was  granted  to  get  through, 
that  same  enemy  would  have  had  me  glory  on  that  account. 
May  I  not  give  way  either  to  one  feeling  or  the  other,  but 
strive  to  look  to  the  preserving  power  of  God. 

Twelfth  Month,  4th. — When  I  have  given  up  in  the  morn- 
ing, only  to  make  an  indifferent  remark  to  the  servants,  on 
our  reading,  sweet  peace  has  been  my  portion  ;  but  when  it 
has  been  presented  to  me,  and  I  have  not  followed,  far  dif- 
ferent has  been  the  case.  In  Meeting,  it  is  such  an  awful 
matter,  for  the  sake  of  others  as  well  as  myself.  If  it  be 
Thy  work  in  me,  be  pleased,  0  Lord  !  to  grant  faith  and 
power,  sufficient  for  the  needful  time  ;  I  long  to  serve  Thee, 
and  to  do  Thy  commandments,  and  I  believe  if  I  be  faithful 
in  the  little,  Thou  wilt  be  pleased  to  make  me  ruler  over 
more. 

9th. — Soon  after  sitting  down  in  Meeting,  (on  Fourth  day,) 
I  was  enabled  to  feel  encouraged  by  these  words,  "  Though 
the  enemy  come  in  like  a  flood,  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  will 
lift  up  a  standard  against. him."  This  appeared  my  experi- 
ence, for  soon  the  storm  was  quieted,  and  a  degree  even  of 
ease  was  my  portion.  About  eleven  o'clock,  these  same 
words,  that  had  done  so  in  Norwich  meeting,  came  feelingly 
over  me — "  Be  of  good  courage,  and  He  will  strengthen 
your  hearts,  all  ye  that  hope  in  the  Lord."  And  that, 
which  had  hitherto  appeared  impossible  to  human  nature, 
seemed  not  only  possible,  but  I  believe  I  was  willing; 
simply  desiring  that,  in  this  new  and  awful  undertaking,  I 
might  not  lose  my  faith,  arid  that  the  Divine  will  might  be 
done  in  me.  Under  this  sense  and  feeling,  as  if  I  could  not 


1809.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  153 

omit,  I  uttered  them.  Though  clearness  still  continued, 
nature,  in  a  great  measure,  seemed  to  sink  under  the  effort 
afterwards,  and  low  feelings  and  imaginations  to  have  much 
dominion,  which,  in  mercy,  were  soon  relieved,  and  I  have 
gone  on  sweetly  and  easily  since,  often  even  rejoicing. 

11th. — Surrounded  with  numerous  outward  occupations, 
weak  in  body,  and  at  times  tossed  in  mind,  so  that  the  wall 
of  preservation  appears  almost  broken  down,  yet  my  heart 
says,  I  will  not  fear  but  that  I  shall,  at  last,  praise  Him, 
whom  I  desire  to  be  "  the  health  of  my  countenance,  and 
my  God."  I  feel  a  wish,  and  great  necessity  of  pressing 
hard  after  Him,  who  alone  can  preserve  me,  for  when  the 
enemy  appears,  to  whom  can  I  flee,  but  to  Him,  whom  I  de- 
sire to  call  Father  ?  and  who  has  hitherto  proved  my  merciful 
Protector.  Be  pleased  to  keep  me  in  this  hour ;  make  me,  0 
Lord !  what  Thou  wouldest  have  me  to  be ;  enable  me  to 
become  passive  in  Thy  holy  hand  :  mayst  Thou  be  glorified, 
even  if  it  be  through  my  suffering ;  and  preserve  me  from 
ever  taking,  what  is  only  Thy  due,  to  myself. 

22nd. — Again,  on  Fourth-day,  I  have  dared  to  open  my 
mouth  in  public  :  I  am  ready  to  say,  What  has  come  to  me  ? 
Even  in  supplication — that  the  work  might  be  carried  on  in 
myself  and  others,  and  that  we  might  be  preserved  from 
evil.  My  weight  of  deep  feeling  on  the  subject,  I  believe, 
exceeded  any  other  time  ;  I  was,  I  may  say,  brought  into  a 
wrestling  state,  that  the  work  of  the  ministry  in  me  might, 
if  right,  be  carried  on,  if  not,  stopped  short.  I  feel  of 
myself,  no  power  for  such  a  work ;  I  may  say,  wholly  una- 
ble ;  yet,  when  the  feeling  and  power  continue,  so  that  I 
dare  not  omit  it,  then  what  can  I  do  ? 

23rd. — Giving  up,  to  make  a  little  remark  after  reading 
to  the  servants,  has  brought  sweet  peace ;  indeed  so  far,  it 
has  appeared  to  me,  that  prompt  obedience  has  brought  me 
the  most  peace.  The  prospect  of  the  Meetings  next  week, 
more  particularly  the  Quarterly  Meeting,  already  makes  mo 
tremble,  I  can  hardly  say  wny,  but  it  is  very  awful  to  bo 
20 


154  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1810. 

thus  publicly  exposed,  in  a  work  that  I  feel  so  little  fitted 
for ;  yet,  I  believe,  it  is  not  my  own  doing,  nor  at  my  own 
command. 

Plashet,  First  Month,  ls<,  1810. — It  is  rather  awful  to  me 
entering  a  new  year,  more  particularly  when  I  look  at  the 
alterations  the  last  has  made — most  striking  the  last  three 
months,  or  a  little  more  !  First,  a  child  born  ;  second,  the 
loss  of  nurse  ;  third,  my  beloved  father's  death ;  fourth,  my 
mouth  being  opened  in  Meetings.  My  heart  says,  What 
can  I  render,  for  having  been  so  remarkably  and  mercifully 
carried  through  these  various  dispensations  of  Providence  ? 
I  think  I  never  knew  the  Divine  Arm  so  eminently  extended 
for  my  comfort,  help,  and  deliverance ;  and  though  of  late, 
I  may,  in  a  degree,  have  had  to  pass  through  the  valley  of 
the  shadow  of  death,  yet  it  has  not  lasted  long  at  a  time, 
and  oh,  the  incomings  qf  love,  joy,  and  peace,  that  have,  at 
other  periods,  arisen  for  my  confirmation  and  consideration  ! 
But  the  manna  of  yesterday,  I  find,  will  not  do  for  to-day. 

9th. — In  the  evening  of  First-day,  I  expressed  what  I  had 
long  on  my  mind  to  the  servants,  on  entering  a  new  year, 
which  brought  sweet  peace.  Yesterday,  we  dined  at  my 
brother  and  sister  Samuel  Gurney's — we  met  there  my  bro- 
ther and  sister  Hoare,  and  my  brother  Fowell  Buxton ;  I 
felt  afterwards,  as  if  I  had  not  been  enough  on  my  guard,  in 
conduct  and  conversation,  indeed  I  awfully  feel  my  conduct 
with  regard  to  others,  as  well  as  to  myself;  for  it  appears 
strange  for  those  to  preach,  who  do  not  practise.  Oh  !  for 
a  double  watch  over  thought,  word,  and  deed  ! 

ll^A. — It  has  been  strongly  impressed  on  me,  how  very 
little  it  matters,  when  we  look  at  the  short  time  we  remain 
here,  what  we  appear  to  others ;  and  how  far  too  much,  we 
look  at  the  things  'of  this  life.  What  does  it  signify,  what 
we  are  thought  of  here,  so  long  as  we  are  not  found  wanting 
towards  our  Heavenly  Father  ?  Why  should  we  so  much 
try  to  keep  something  back,  and  not  be  willing  to  offer  our- 
selves up  to  Him,  body,  soul,  and  spirit,  to  do  with  us  what 


1801.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  155 

may  seem  best  unto  Him,  and  to  make  us  what  He  would 
have  us  to  be  ?  0  Lord !  enable  me  to  be  more  and  more, 
singly,  simply,  and  purely  obedient  to  Thy  service ! 

Second  Month,  5th. — The  first  part  of  last  week  I  was 
much  occupied  in  arranging  my  new  household ;  at  least, 
two  new  servants,  housekeeper  and  cook.  I  much  felt  the 
weight  of  filling  my  place  rightly  towards  the  servants, 
whom  I  may  say,  I  love ;  how  did  I  desire  to  help  them,  in 
the  best  sense,  and  that  I  might  feel,  that,  as  for  me  and 
my  house,  we  will  serve  the  Lord ;  I  may  say,  there  is  nothing 
I  desire  so  much ;  and  the  more  I  know,  and  the  more  I  , 
wish  to  follow  Him  in  the  way  of  His  requirings,  the  more 
sweet  do  I  find  the  path,  and  the  more  desirable  does  it 
appear. 

19th. — Yesterday  was  an  awful,  and  to  me  instructive  day 
at  Plaistow  Meeting.  I  had  not  sat  very  long,  before  I  was 
brought  into  much  feeling  desire  that  the  darkness  in  some 
minds  might  be  enlightened ;  however,  no  clearness  of  ex- 
pression came  with  it,  but  under  a  very  solemn  covering  of 
the  spirit  of  supplication,  a  few  words  offering,  I,  after  a  time 
gave  way  to  utter  them  ;  but  that  which  appeared  greatly  in 
the  cross  to  me,  was  having  some  words  presented,  to  speak 
in  testimony  (ministry)  afterwards,  which  I  did,  I  believe, 
purely  because  I  desired  to  serve  my  Master,  and  not  to  look 
too  much  to  the  opinion  of  my  fellow-servants  ;  and  there  was, 
to  me,  a  remarkable  solemnity,  and  something  like  an  owning, 
or  accepting,  of  this  poor  little  offering.  I  have  desired, 
and  have  been  in  a  degree  enabled,  to  feel  a  little  on  that 
sure  foundation ;  that  although  the  wind  may  blow,  and  the 
rain  may  descend,  yet  whilst  I  keep  on  this  Rock,  they  will 
not  be  able  utterly  to  cast  me  down.  What  a  mercy,  amidst 
the  storm,  to  feel,  ever  so  slightly,  something  of  a  sure  foun- 
dation !  Thus  much  I  know,  that,  even  if  I  be  mistaken  in 
this  awful  undertaking,  my  desire  is  to  serve  Him  in  it, 
whom  my  soul,  I  may  truly  say,  loves  and  delights  to  please. 
0  Lord  !  I  pray  Thee,  preserve  Thy  poor  handmaid  in  the 


156  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1810. 

hour  of  temptation;  and  enable  me  to  follow  Thee  in  the 
way  of  Thy  requirings,  even  if  they  lead  me  into  suffering, 
and  unto  death. 

31«£. — My  little has  been  very  naughty  ;  his  will  I 

find  very  strong  ;  oh,  that  my  hands  may  be  strengthened 
rightly  to  subdue  it.  0  Lord !  I  pray  for  help,  in  these  im- 
portant duties  !  I  may  truly  say,  I  had  rather  my  dear  lambs 
should  not  live,  than  live  eventually  to  dishonour  Thy  great 
cause  ;  rather  may  they  be  taken  in  innocency,  but,  if  Thou 
seest  meet,  0  Lord !  preserve  them  from  great  evils,  and  be 
pleased  in  Thy  abundant  mercy  to  be  with  them,  as  Thou 
hast  been,  I  believe,  with  their  poor  unworthy  parents ;  visit 
them,  and  revisit  them,  until  Thou  hast  made  them  what 
Thou  wouldest  have  them  to  be.  Oh,  that  I  could,  like 
Hannah,  bring  them  to  Thee,  to  be  made  use  of  as  instru- 
ments in  Thy  Holy  Temple !  I  ask  nothing  for  them,  in 
comparison  of  Thy  love  ;  and  above  all  blessings,  that  they 
may  be  vessels  in  Thy  House  ;  this  blessing  I  crave  for  them, 
that  they  may  be  employed  in  Thy  service,  for  indeed  I  can 
bow  and  say  what  honour,  what  joy  so  great,  as  in  ever  so 
small  a  measure,  to  serve  Thee,  0  Lord  ! 

Mildred's  Court,  Sixth  Month,  ~Lst. — Yesterday  I  attended 
the  funeral  of  our  beloved  Anna  Reynolds,  whose  death  has 
been  deeply  felt  by  me.  We  had,  I  think,  I  may  truly  say, 
a  glorious  time,  for  the  power  of  the  most  High,  appeared  to 
overshadow  us :  a  belief  of  her  being  in  safety,  has  bowed 
my  soul  prostrate,  in  humble  thankfulness,  and  renewedly 
led  me  to  desire  to  prove  my  gratitude  for  such  unspeakable 
mercy,  as  has  been  showed  my  near  and  beloved  relations, 
by  my  Jove  and  entire  dedication.  I  uttered  a  few  words  in 
supplication,  at  the  ground ;  my  uncle  Joseph,  my  cousin 
Priscilla,  and  many  others  beautifully  ministered ;  after 
Meeting,  I  might  truly  say,  my  cup  ran  over,  such  sweetness 
covered  my  mind.  After  a  solemn  time  in  the  family,  with 
dear  cousin  Priscilla,  and  Ann  Crowley,  I  ventured  on  my 
knees,  praying,  that  His  Holy  Hand  would  not  spare,  nor 


1810.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  157 

His  eye  pity,  until  He  made  us  what  he  would  have  us  to 
be ;  only  I  craved,  that  He  would  not  forsake  us,  but,  let  us 
be  made  in  some  small  measure  sensible,  that  He  was  with 
us,  and  that  it  was  His  rod,  and  His  staff,  that  we  depended 
upon.  Through  heights,  and  through  depths,  through  riches, 
and  through  poverty ;  may  it  alone  be  my  will,  to  do  the  will 
of  the  Father ! 

Plashet,  2d. — I  have  found  it  pleasant  and  refreshing, 
being  again  with  my  beloved  family  in  this  sweet  place.  I 
have  desired  that  the  time  spent  in  the  Yearly  Meeting,  and 
what  I  have  received  there,  may  return  as  bread  cast  upon 
the  waters. 

To  an  early  friend,  and  guest  at  Mildred's  Court,  she 
writes,  describing  her  outward  circumstances,  and  mental 
exercises,  about  this  time. 

Plashet,  Seventh  Month,  1810. 
My  beloved  Friend, 

As  I  have  been  much  with  thee  in  mind  this  morning,  I 
feel  inclined  to  tell  thee  how  sincerely  I  love  thee ;  I  believe 
in  that  love  which  neither  time  nor  distance  can  affect. 
Looking  back  to  some  account  of  what  I  passed  through 
when  thou  wast  at  our  house  long  ago,  and  how  nearly  I  felt 
united  to  thee,  has  brought  thee  to  my  remembrance.  I  have 
often  felt  disposed  to  write  to  thee,  since  thou  left  England, 
but  did  not  feel  my  letters  worth  sending  so  far ;  many 
changes  have  taken  place,  since  we  were  together,  perhaps 
more  remarkably  to  me ;  we  have  now  six  little  children, 
three  girls  and  three  boys,  all  well  and  lovely,  and  much 
enjoyment  they  give  us,  though  at  times  in  looking  to  their 
best  interest,  we  are  ready  to  tremble  for  them  :  may  we  do 
our  part,  so  that  we  can  in  faith  and  humble  confidence,  look 
to  Him  who  can  alone  bless  our  endeavours.  All  our  beloved 
parents  arc  taken  from  us,  the  loss  of  my  own  father,  as  thou 
mayst  suppose,  was  a  close  trial,  but  1  am  ready  to  believe 
and  hope,  it  brought  its  blessings  to  many  of  us ;  the  great 


158  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1810. 

mercy  he  received  at  last,  from  his  having  a  sweet  hope  and 
confidence,  that,  through  the  mercy  of  his  Redeemer,  it  -would 
be  well  with  him,  proved  to  my  mind,  I  think,  the  strongest 
excitement  to  gratitude  I  ever  experienced,  so  much  so,  that 
it  appeared  to  break  the  ice  for  me,  and  on  my  knees  I  pub- 
licly expressed  my  thankfulness.  This  matter  of  publicly 
exposing  myself,  in  this  way,  has  been  for  many  years 
struggling  in  my  mind,  long  before  I  married,  and  once 
or  twice  when  with  thee,  in  London,  I  hardly  knew  how  to 
dare  to  refrain.  The  past  I  must  leave,  but  I  am  ready  to 
think  extreme  unwillingness  to  give  up  to  this  matter,  has 
kept  me  longer  than  I  need  have  been,  in  a  lukewarm,  and 
at  times  wilderness  estate ;  however,  since  a  way  has  thus  been 
made  for  me,  it  appears  as  if  I  dare  not  stop  the  work ;  if  it 
be  a  right  one,  may  it  go  on  and  prosper,  if  not,  the  sooner 
stopped,  the  better.  I  can  hardly  doubt,  if  I  am  only  enabled 
to  cling  fast  to  Him,  whose  work  I  believe  it  is,  that  I  shall 
experience  preservation,  though  I  find  my  state  a  new  one : 
I  do  not  understand  myself,  and  I  find  I  must  walk  by  faith, 
and  not  by  sight ;  at  times  I  am  permitted  to  abound,  and  to 
feel  power  that  I  cannot  but  believe  to  be  beyond  myself, 
at  others,  brought  very  low,  poor,  weak  and  almost  miserable ; 
my  faith  tried  as  to  a  hair's  breadth ;  yet  through  all,  I  have 
found  abundant  cause  for  thanksgiving  and  praise. 

Eighth  Month,  10th. — I  have  thought  this  morning,  I  may 
in  a  measure  adopt  the  language  of  the  blessed  Virgin,  "  My 
soul  doth  magnify  the  Lord,  and  my  spirit  hath  rejoiced  in 
God-  my  Saviour."  May  my  being  led  out  of  my  own  family, 
by  what  appear  to  me  duties,  never  be  permitted  to  hinder 
my  doing  my  duty  fully  towards  it,  or  so  occupy  my  atten- 
tion, as  to  make  me,  in  any  degree,  forget  or  neglect  home 
duties.  I  believe  it  matters  not  where  we  are,  or  what  we 
are  about,  so  long  as  we  keep  our  eye  fixed  on  doing  the 
great  Master's  work,  and  that  whatever  we  do,  may  be  done 
to  His  glory.  When  I  feel  as  I  do  to-day,  what  a  glorious 


1801.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  159 

service  it  is,  (though  we  may  have,  at  times,  to  pass  through 
great  trial  and  poverty,)  and  rememher  how  in  these  little 
religious  services,  I  have  been  helped  and  carried  through, 
and  that,  as  I  expressed  before,  my  soul  hath,  in  a  measure, 
been  able  to  magnify  the  Lord,  and  my  spirit  to  rejoice  in 
God  its  Saviour,  I  fear  for  myself,  lest  even  this  great  mercy 
should  prove  a  temptation,  and  lead  me  to  come  before  I  am 
called,  or  enter  service  I  am  not  prepared  for;  but  in  all 
these  things,  I  have  but  one  place  of  safety,  to  take  refuge 
in.  Be  pleased,  then,  0  Lord !  Thou  who  knowest  my 
heart,  and  all  its  temptations  ;  be  pleased  to  preserve  me, 
and  enable  me,  if  Thou  seest  meet,  to  do  Thy  will,  in  strength 
and  in  weakness,  when  it  leads  to  the  hardest  crosses,  as 
well  as  into  the  way  of  rejoicing. 

Earlham,  Ninth  Month,  1st. — Yesterday  I  had  much  con- 
versation with  my  beloved  sisters  Rachel  and  Richenda,  upon 
their  religious  experience,  and  present  belief.  At  the  time, 
I  felt  very  fully  strengthened,  to  express  my  mind,  and  not 
to  shrink  ;  and  I  believe  I  did  no  hurt ;  but  I  have  felt,  and 
still  feel  very  low ;  much  pressed  down ;  why,  I  cannot  tell ; 
they  represent  their  case  clearly,  but  can  I,  after  what  I  have 
felt,  known,  and  experienced,  doubt  the  truth  of  this  blessed 
principle,  the  sensible  and  constant  direction  of  the  Spirit  of 
God  in  man  ?  The  head  and  judgment  of  man  is  most  frail, 
or  it  would  not  twist  so  many  ways ;  the  work  of  religion 
must  be  in  the  heart,  and  if  that  become  sanctified  by  the 
great  "  I  am,"  and  brought  low  before  Him,  and  our  wills 
be  brought  into  subjection  to  the  Divine  will,  and  He  become 
our  all  in  all ;  then  the  great  work,  appears  to  me  accom- 
plished in  us. 

Plashct,  10<A. — I  desire  gratefully  to  acknowledge  my 
being  once  more  returned  home  to  my  beloved  family,  my 
little  ones  appearing  to  have  prospered  in  my  absence,  and  I 
hope  all  going  on  well.  And  also  I  think,  with  abundant 
cause  to  be  grateful,  that  on  leaving  Earlham,  and  my  ten- 
derly beloved  brothers  and  sisters,  my  mind  felt  very  clear, 


1GO  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1810. 

trusting  that  I  had  been  enabled  to  accomplish  that  which 
came  to  hand  to  do  amongst  them;  and  I  hope  without 
hurting  the  great  cause.  How  very  near  and  dear  they  are 
to  me.  On  First-day,  I  attended  Ipswich  and  Colchester 
Meetings  ;  I  believe  I  was  helped  in  the  ministry,  in  both ; 
if  any  praise  be  due,  may  it  be  given,  both  by  me  and  others, 
to  the  great  Author.  Spent  an  interesting  evening,  with 
dear  old  John  Kendall. 

13th. — It  is  my  great  wish,  that  being  engaged  in  these 
awful  and  important  duties,  may  not,  in  any  degree,  lessen 
my  attention  to  the  smaller  concerns  of  life ;  but  rather  prove 
a  stimulus  to  do  all  well :  I  wish  if  right,  still  to  feel  a  life 
in  them,  and  not  have  my  mind  so  occupied  by  the  greater, 
as  not  to  enter  with  spirit  into  the  smaller.  How  much 
does  gratitude  call  for  at  my  hands  at  this  time. 

Tenth  Month,  5th. — I  had  yesterday  a  very  narrow  escape 
of  my  life,  from  falling  out  of  a  whiskey  upon  my  head, 
owing  to  a  violent  jolt ;  if  it  had  gone  on,  I  believe  it  must 
have  gone  over  my  head ;  many  have  been  either  killed,  or 
materially  injured  by  such  a  fall.  I  was,  at  the  time,  favoured 
with  clearness,  and  knew  what  to  do,  and  by  immediately 
applying  cold  water  to  my  head  from  a  pond  just  by,  my 
suffering  was,  in  a  great  measure,  relieved.  I  wonder  I  have 
not  felt  this  event  more  seriously,  but  I  did  not,  even  at  the 
time,  feel  much  frightened,  or  overcome :  I  believe  I  was 
thinking,  only  about  a  minute  before,  that  in  case  of  my 
sudden  death,  I  had  nothing  to  look  to  but  mercy. 

24:th. — I  feel  self-love  and  pride  are  hidden,  very,  very 
deep  in  me,  and  may  sometimes  rise,  under  specious  appear- 
ances :  I  cannot  root  them  out  myself;  but  may  I  more  often 
than  the  day,  look  to  Him,  who  can  do  it  for  me. 

26M.' — This  day  year,  a  day  I  think  never  to  be  forgotten, 
whilst  memory  lasts,  my  beloved  father  died !  and  I  first 
opened  my  mouth  as  a  minister. 

3Qth. — I  crave  to  be,  in  all  things,  doing  the  will  of  Him, 
whom  I  desire  to  feel  my  Master ;  this  is  at  times  hard  to 


1810.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  161 

come  at ;  I  do  not  feel  by  any  means,  a  ready  and  willing 
servant :  still  not  willing  either  to  speak  a  word  before  meals, 
or  after  our  reading.  My  very  frequent  speaking  in  Meeting, 
is  very  awful  to  me.  Be  pleased,  0  Lord !  still  to  be  with 
Thy  poor  child,  preserve  her,  if  Thou  seest  meet  from  right 
hand,  as  well  as  left  hand  errors :  increase  my  faith,  and 
renew  a  right  spirit  within  me.  May  neither  heights  nor 
depths ;  riches  nor  poverty ;  health  'nor  sickness ;  be  per- 
mitted to  overcome  me,  and  separate  me  from  Thy  love ;  and 
be  pleased,  0  Lord !  to  enable  me  always  to  give  Thee  the 
glory,  and  not  to  take  it  to  myself.  May  I  more  faithfully 
do  my  duty  towards  Thee,  towards  my  neighbour,  and  to- 
wards myself :  when  called  upon  publicly  to  advocate  Thy 
cause,  be  pleased  to  grant  me  faith  sufficient !  Create  in  me 
a  more  willing  mind,  to  express  whatever  may  arise,  as  in 
the  newness  of  life ;  whether  in  public  or  in  private,  that 
the  short  time  of  my  continuance  here,  I  may  in  life,  con- 
duct, and  word,  live  to  thy  glory.  Amen,  saith  my  poor 
soul. 

In  the  Twelfth  Month  she  travelled  into  Gloucestershire, 
taking  three  of  her  children,  to  visit  William  Fry  and  his 
wife  ;  the  latter  was  in  seriously  delicate  health.  They  were 
residing  at  that  time  at  Rodborough,  a  very  beautiful  place 
which  W.  Fry  had  hired,  hoping  that  his  wife  might  derive 
benefit  from  the  air. 

Rodborough,  Twelfth  Month,  22nd. — I  enjoy  being  here, 
and  the  company  of  those  I  am  with.  I  trust  not  in  myself, 
in  my  own  weak  and  disobedient  heart,  but  I  trust  in  Thee, 
O  Lord !  before  whom  the  mountains  skip  like  rams,  and 
the  little  hills  like  lambs. 

Plashet,  28th. — I  may  indeed  acknowledge  that  a  way  has 

been,  to  me,  wonderfully  made,  for  even  my  disobedient 

heart  has  been  brought  down,  and  made  willing  to  submit ; 

may  I  never  forget  it,  or  to  whom  the  power  and  praise 

21 


162  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1811. 

belong ;  who  capacitated  me  to  do,  what  to  human  nature 
felt  impossible,  on  First-day,  at  Nailsworth.  When  evening 
came,  after  passing  through  little  short  of  distress  of  soul, 
I  was  enabled,  after  their  reading,  to  kneel  down  and  offer 
my  little  sacrifice,  which  I  felt  abundantly  helped  in,  both 
as  to  power  and  utterance ;  my  beloved  sister  Eliza  seemed 
to  feel  it  extremely,  so  much  so,  that  I  was  afraid  it  might 
overcome  her,  and  make  her  ill ;  but  she  soon  revived,  and 
told  me  how  much  she  had  felt  it,  and  united  with  me,  which 
was  sweet  and  encouraging.  I  was  enabled  to  leave  that 
place  with  a  clear  and  peaceful  heart,  knowing  of  no  burden. 

Plashet,  First  Month,  5th,  1811. — I  find  it  no  easy  matter 
to  serve  the  poor,  I  desire  to  do  right  towards  them ;  but  it 
is  very  difficult  either  to  turn  them  away,  or  to  give  to  all, 
without  doing  as  much  hurt  as  good.  I  desire  a  right 
spirit  about  them,  and  ability  to  know  what  is  best  to  be 
done. 

6th. — In  the  evening  the  servants  and  children  read  with 
us,  and  much  in  the  cross  to  human  nature,  I  believe  I  may 
say,  my  will  was  subdued  for  me,  and  power  given  to  crave 
a  blessing  upon  us  and  our  household ;  I  was  abundantly 
helped,  and  a  sweet  feeling  has  been  my  portion  since  ;  like 
abiding  under  the  shadow  of  His  wing,  whom  I  desire  to  be 
my  Lord,  and  my  God,  my  all  in  all. 

lltA. — Felt  very  low  yesterday  evening,  rather  unusually 
so  for  me,  partly  from  the  children  being  naughty  and  try- 
ing. I  also  feel  how  poorly  my  duties  are  performed  towards 
all.  If  I  be  clearer  in  one  description  of  duty  than  another, 
I  think  it  is  towards  servants  ;  but  in  that  I  often  have  to 
mourn  over  my  defects.  I  have  felt  a  little  encouragement 
this  morning,  and  am  at  times  brought  to  leave  others,  and 
their  interests,  and  to  look  and  depend  upon  Him,  who  can 
help  them,  and  even  listens  to  the  cry  of  His  little  ones. 
As  for  my  beloved  children,  I  had  rather  they  should  not 
be,  than  have  them  live  to  go  greatly  astray ;  but  let  me 
not  forget  that  if  they,  like  myself,  should  go  astray  for  a 


1811.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  163 

time,  there  is  that  power  which  can  bring  them  back.  Oh, 
that  this  may  be  the  case ;  may  they  eventually  become 
redeemed  from  the  world,  and  advocates  or  valiants  in  the 
great  cause  !  It  is  almost  my  single  desire  for  them ;  all 
others  are  small  in  comparison — and  as  for  my  beloved 
husband,  oh !  that  we  may  be  preserved,  going  hand  in 
hand,  and  bowing  before  the  Holy  One  in  sweet  unity  ; 
not  turning  aside  to  any  other  gods,  or  making  to  ourselves 
graven  images,  and  worshipping  them. 

Second  Month,  1th. — Yesterday  was,  to  me,  an  awful  and 
affecting  day ;  there  came  up  a  minute  from  the  men,  desiring 
the  women  to  meet  them  after  the  next  Monthly  Meeting, 
to  consider  the  subject  of  acknowledging  me  as  a  minister. 
Friends  felt  so  kindly  for  me,  as  to  call  me  out  of  Meeting 
to  tell  me,  lest  hearing  it  should  overcome  me;  this  was 
unnecessary,  for  though  I  felt  and  feel  it  deeply,  that  was 
not  likely  to  be  the  case.  It  brings  me  prostrate  before  the 
great  "  I  am ;"  but  I  have  little  or  nothing  to  say  for  my- 
self: certainly,  it  is  cause  of  humble  gratitude,  to  believe 
my  little  offerings  in  the  ministry  have  not  burdened,  but 
been  acceptable  to  the  church.  0  Lord !  if  it  be  Thy  will 
to  preserve  my  life,  yet  a  little  longer,  and  to  continue  me 
in  this  service,  preserve  me,  even  if  it  be  through  chastise- 
ment, from  ever  hurting  Thy  great  and  holy  cause,  and 
enable  me  to  walk  worthy  of  the  vocation  whereunto  I  am 
called. 

Her  seventh  child,  Elizabeth,  was  born  on  the  20th  of 
Second  Month. 

Mildred's  Court,  Second  Month,  26/A. — Though  confined 
to  a  lying-in-room,  and  not  actively  engaged,  may  I  seek,  in 
all  things,  to  be  acting  in  conformity  to  the  Divine  will ;  for 
this  state  has  its  temptations.  May  the  day's  work,  what- 
ever it  be,  keep  pace  with  the  day. 

The  Meeting,  of  which  she  was  a  member,  feeling  unity 


164  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1811. 

with  her  engagements  as  a  minister,  acknowledged  h^r  at  this 
time,  in  that  character. 

In  reference  to  it,  she  says : — 

This  mark  of  their  unity  is  sweet,  and  I  think  strengthen- 
ing, and  I  believe  will  have  advantages,  as  well  as  trials, 
attending  it.  I  feel,  and  find,  it  is  not  by  the  approbation, 
any  more  than  by  the  disapprobation  of  man,  that  we  stand 
or  fall ;  but  it  once  more  leads  me  only  to  desire,  that  I  may, 
simply  and  singly,  follow  my  Master  in  the  way  of  His  re- 
quirements, whatsoever  they  may  be.  I  think  this  will  make 
a  way  for  me  in  some  things,  that  have  been  long  on  my  mind. 

Plashet,  Sixth  Month,  3d. — Yearly  Meeting  is  finished : 
I  have  renewed  evidence  that  there  yet  remains  a  God,  hear- 
ing prayer ;  as  my  inward  cries,  as  well  as  outward,  appear 
to  have  been,  in  some  instances,  rather  remarkably  heard  and 
granted.  I  have  also  had  renewed  evidence,  that  there  yet 
remains  a  Gospel  ministry,  as  I  have  been  ministered  to,  and 
have  known  the  same  with  others,  and  have  been,  I  believe, 
enabled  a  little  to  minister  myself,  I  could  almost  believe  from 
the  living  Source.  I  have  not  had  much  to  do  in  this  way, 
but  a  little  at-  times,  in  private  and  public.  I  find  it  an  awful 
thing  to  rise,  amongst  a  large  assembly,  and  unless  much 
covered  with  love  and  power,  hardly  know  how  to  venture. 

19/A. — I  feel,  at  times,  deeply  pressed  down,  on  account  of 
my  beloved  children.  Their  volatile  minds  try  me ;  but, 
amidst  my  trials,  I  have  a  secret  hope  concerning  them,  that 
all  will  end  well ;  and  a  blessing  attend  them,  if  they  bow  to 
the  blessed  yoke,  (for  so  I  feel  it,)  in  their  youth.  May  you, 
if  ever  you  read  this,  my  beloved  little  ones,  hearken  to  the 
advice  of  your  tenderly  affectionate  mother.  Submit  to  the 
cross  of  Christ,  in  small  matters  and  in  great, — there  is  noway 
like  it;  the  crown  is,  in  a  measure,  partaken  of,  even  here. 
That  no  enemy  of  your  souls  be  permitted  to  overcome  you, 
or  turn  your  feet  into  another  path,  is  the  sincere  desire,  nay, 
prayer  of  her,  who  feels  your  souls'  welfare  very  near  to  her 


1811.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  165 

own ;  may  we  all  so  live,  that  when  time  to  us  here  shall  bo 
no  more,  we  may  unite,  and  sing  praises  in  eternity.  Look 
at  it, — what  folly,  for  the  sake  of  self-gratification  for  a  few 
years,  to  forfeit  even  the  chance  of  such  a  prospect !  ah,  my 
children,  press  forward  through  all  opposition ;  walking  by 
faith,  rather  than  by  sight,  for  in  that  alone  you  will  find 
strength  and  safety;  looking  too  much  out,  loses  time  and 
creates  confusion,  whilst  humbly  looking  within,  with  the 
eye  of  faith,  and  following  whatever  that  may  lead  into,  or 
out  of,  tends  to  confirm,  stablish,  and  strengthen.  May  the 
God  of  peace  be  with,  bless,  and  preserve  you,  saith  my  soul. 
Amen.  0  Lord!  be  pleased  to  have  mercy  on  them,  win 
them  over  to  Thy  love,  and  teach  them  that  there  is  no  way 
like  Thy  way,  no  joy  like  Thy  joy. 

Earlham,  Seventh  Month,  21st. — I  am  come  with  my  be- 
loved husband,  to  attend  my  dear  uncle  Gurney.'s  funeral. 
I  cannot  easily  express  my  feelings  this  day  ;  the  state  of  the 
souls  of  the  family  is  so  deeply  interesting  to  me.  My  soul 
has  been  laid  low,  and  brought  very  prostrate,  feeling  for  the 
various  conditions  of  my  beloved  family,  who  are  brought 
together  on  this  awful  occasion ;  desiring  for  those  who  have 
at  times  to  advocate  the  great  cause,  that  we  may  get  deep 
enough,  and  not  speak  from  outward  knowledge  and  obser- 
vation, but  alone  move  in  the  great  service,  as  the  pure  life 
may  lead  us  into  it :  may  we  be  enabled  to  say  enough,  and 
preserved  from  saying  too  much.  Be  pleased,  0  Lord  !  to 
grant  us  tongue  and  utterance,  to  show  forth  Thy  praise,  that 
those  afar  off,  may  be  induced  to  come,  taste,  and  see,  how 
good  Thou  art.  Be  pleased  also  to  anoint  their  eyes,  and 
their  ears,  both  to  hear  and  see  for  themselves,  that  there  is 
none  like  unto  Thee ;  but  that  Thou  art  worthy  both  now 
and  for  ever,  to  be  praised  and  exalted  above  all.  Amen. 

Plashet,  Eighth  Month,  2'3rd. — We  had  three  clergymen 
and  their  wives,  besides  another  neighbour  and  his  wife, 
here  yesterday  ;  I  believe  good  men,  and  I  hope  good  women 
also ;  I  felt  love,  and  I  think  that  sort  of  unity  with  them, 


166  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1811. 

that  I  have  with  good  Friends.  From  a  great  fear  of  hurting 
others,  I  feel,  though  I  believe  it  is  not  very  apparent,  a 
bowing  to  their  opinions,  and  not  openly  professing  my  own, 
which  tries  me.  Thero  are,  no  doubt,  advantages,  as  well  as 
disadvantages,  in  associating  with  people  of  different  descrip- 
tions :  especially,  in  being  with  the  Good,  we  are  increasingly 
led  to  estimate  the  good  in  all,  and  also  to  observe,  how  the 
mercy  of  our  heavenly  Father  is  extended  towards  us,  and 
how  he  sees  meet  to  accept  us,  in  our  different  ways.  But, 
at  the  same  time,  there  is  safety  in  keeping  within  our  nar- 
row enclosure,  more  particularly  for  young  people  not  estab- 
lished in  principle.  It  may  induce  to  make  the  example  of 
others,  a  plea  for  more  liberty,  instead  of  rightly  stimulating 
them  to  look  at  home,  and  examine  how  far  they  are  doing  the 
work  committed  to  them,  which  should  be  the  effect  of  seeing 
others  zealously  pursuing  their  course.  It  is  also  important, 
as  children  become  marriageable,  with  whom  they  associate, 
and  parents  should  in  this,  as  in  other  things,  keep  on  the 
watch,  and  seek  the  best  direction  how  far  to  go,  and  where 
to  stop.  But  my  feelings  of  love  would  lead  me  almost  to 
encourage  an  intimacy  with  one  of  these  clergymen  and  his 
wife  :  but  I  desire  to  be  rightly  directed,  and  if  we  are  likely 
to  lose  more  than  we  gain,  by  not  holding  fast  the  profession 
of  our  faith  without  wavering,  then  I  hope  not  to  encourage 
it ;  I  leave  it,  thinking  it  will  make  its  own  way,  which  I 
trust  will  be  the  right  one,  but  Friends  being  so  much  united 
with  others,  and  brought  so  forward  in  works  of  benevolence, 
may  prove  a  snare  by  flattering  them,  and  taking  them  off 
their  guard.  It  is  on  account  of  schools  that  we  have  been 
thus  brought  together. 

On  being  settled  at  Plashet,  Elizabeth  Fry  had  formed 
various  plans  for  the  benefit  of  her  poorer  neighbours,  which 
she  gradually  brought  into  action.  One  of  her  early  endea- 
vours, was  to  establish  a  girls'  school  for  the  Parish  of  East 
Ham  ;  of  which  Plashet  is  a  hamlet. 


1811.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  167 

A  young  woman  named  Harriet  Howell,  who  was  much 
occupied  at  that  time  in  organizing  schools  on  the  Lancas- 
terian  system,  came  to  Plashet.  The  clergyman  of  East  Ham 
(alluded  to  in  the  journal)  with  his  wife  united  with  Eliza- 
beth Fry  in  the  object.  A  school  of  about  seventy  girls 
was  established,  and,  although  afterwards  removed  to  a 
more  central  situation,  continues  to  the  present  day. 

The  bodily  wants  of  the  poor,  especially  in  cases  of  sick- 
ness or  accident,  claimed  her  careful  attention.  There  was 
a  depot  of  calico  and  flannels  always  ready,  besides  outer 
garments,  and  a  roomy  closet  well  supplied  with  drugs.  In 
very  hard  winters,  she  had  soup  boiled  in  an  out-house,  in 
such  quantities,  as  to  supply  hundreds  of  poor  people  with  a 
nourishing  meal.  Nor  was  her  interest  confined  to  the  Eng- 
lish poor  in  East  Ham.  About  half  a  mile  from  Plashet,  on 
the  high  road  between  Stratford  and  Ilford,  the  passer-by 
will  find  two  long  rows  of  houses,  with  one  larger  house  in  the 
centre,  if  possible  more  dingy  than  the  rest.  At  that  time 
they  were  squalid  and  dirty.  The  windows  generally  stuffed 
with  old  rags,  or  pasted  over  with  brown  paper,  and  the  few 
remaining  panes  of  glass  refusing  to  perform  their  intended 
office  from  the  accumulated  dust  of  years ;  puddles  of  thick 
black  water  before  the  doors ;  children  without  shoe  or 
stocking ;  mothers,  whoso  matted  locks  escaped  from  the 
remnants  of  caps,  which  looked  as  though  they  never  could 
have  been  white  ;  pigs,  on  terms  of  evident  familiarity  with 
the  family ;  poultry  sharing  the  children's  potatoes — all  be- 
spoke an  Irish  colony. 

It  was  a  .pleasant  thing  to  observe  the  influence  obtained 
by  Elizabeth  Fry,  over  these  wild,  but  warm-hearted  people. 

One  clear  frosty  morning,  she  called  her  elder  children  4o 
accompany  her  on  a  visit  to  one  of  these  cottages.  A  poor 
woman,  the  mother  of  a  young  family,  had  died  there ;  she 
had  been  well  conducted  as  a  wife  and  mother,  and  had  long 
shown  a  desire  for  religious  instruction ;  the  priest,  a  kind- 
hearted  man,  liberal  in  his  views,  and  anxious  for  the  good 


168  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH     FRY.  [1811. 

of  his  flock,  thought  well  of  the  poor  woman,  had  frequently 
visited  her  in  her  illness,  and  was  in  that,  as  in  many  other 
cases,  very  grateful  to  Elizabeth  Fry,  for  the  relief  and  nour- 
ishment she  had  bestowed,  and  which  it  was  not  in  his 
power  to  give. 

On  the  bed  of  death  lay  extended  the  young  mother,  her 
features,  which  were  almost  beautiful,  stiffened  into  the  sem- 
blance of  marble.  Her  little  children  were  on  the  floor,  the 
husband,  in  a  corner,  leaning  on  a  round  table,  with  his  face 
buried  in  his  hands.  A  paper  cross  lay  on  the  breast  of  the 
corpse ;  the  sun  shone  into  the  room,  and  lighted  the  dreary 
scene.  The  apartment  was  close,  from  the  fumes  of  to- 
bacco, and  the  many  guests  of  the  wake,  which  had  been 
held  during  the  night.  Elizabeth  Fry  spoke  soothingly  to 
the  husband ;  she  reminded  him  of  his  wife's  desires  for  his 
good,  and  for  that  of  his  children ;  she  slightly  alluded  to 
the  uselessness  of  the  cross  as  a  symbol,  but  urged  the  at- 
tention of  those  present,  to  the  great  doctrine  of  which  it 
was  intended  to  remind  them.  Again,  she  offered  solace  to 
the  mourner,  promised  assistance  for  his  little  ones,  and 
left  the  room. 

Some  of  the  scenes  in  Irish  Row  were  very  different. 
She  enjoyed  giving  pleasure,  it  was  an  impulse,  as  well  as  a 
duty  with  her,  to  do  good.  Gathering  her  garments  round 
her,  she  would  thread  her  way  through  children  and  pigs, 
up  broken  stair-cases,  and  by  narrow  passages,  to  the  apart- 
ments which  she  sought ;  there  she  would  listen  to  their 
tales  of  want  or  woe,  or  of  their  difficulties  with  their  chil- 
dren, or  of  the  evil  conduct  of  their  husbands.  She  per- 
suaded many  of  them  to  adopt  rnqre  orderly  habits,  giving 
little  presents  of  clothing  as  encouragements :  she  induced 
some  to  send  their  children  to  school,  and  with  the  consent 
of  the  priest,  circulated  the  Bible  amongst  theni.  On  one 
occasion,  when  the  weather  was  extremely  cold,  and  great 
distress  prevailed,  being  at  the  time  too  delicate  herself  to 
walk,  she  went  alone  in  the  carriage,  literally  piled  with 


1811.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  169 

flannel  petticoats  for  Irish  Row  ;  the  rest  of  the  party  walk- 
ing to  meet  her,  to  assist  in  the  delightful  task  of  distri- 
bution. She  made  relieving  the  poor  a  pleasure  to  her 
children,  by  the  cheerful  spirit  in  which  she  did  it ;  she  em- 
ployed them  as  almoners,  when  very  young ;  but  expected  a 
minute  account  of  their  giving,  and  their  reasons  for  it. 
After  the  establishment  of  the  Tract  Society,  she  always 
kept  a  large  supply  of  such  Tracts  as  she  approved,  for  dis- 
tribution. It  was  her  desire  never  to  relieve  the  bodily 
wants  of  any  one,  without  endeavouring,  in  some  way,  more 
or  less  directly,  to  benefit  their  souls.  She  was  a  warm  ad- 
vocate for  vaccination,  and  very  successful  in  performing 
the  operation  ;  she  had  acquired  this  art  from  Dr.  Willan, 
one  of  its  earliest  advocates  and  most  skilful  practitioners. 
At  intervals,  she  made  a  sort  of  investigation  of  the  state 
of  the  parish,  with  a  view  to  vaccinating  the  children.  The 
result  was,  that  small-pox  was  scarcely  known  in  the  vil- 
lages over  which  her  influence  extended. 

In  a  green  lane,  near  Plashet,  it  has  been  the  annual 
custom  of  the  Gipsies  to  pitch  their  tents,  for  a  few  days, 
in  their  way  to  Fairlop  fair.  The  sickness  of  a  gipsy  child, 
inducing  the  mother  to  apply  for  relief,  led  Elizabeth  Fry 
to  visit  their  camp  ;  from  that  time,  from  year  to  year,  she 
cared  for  them  whenever  they  came  into  her  neighbourhood  ; 
clothing  for  the  children  and  people,  and  a  little  medical 
advice  she  invariably  bestowed  ;  but  she  did  far  more  than 
that,  she  sought  to  influence  their  minds  aright,  she  pleaded 
with  them  on  the  bitter  fruits  of  sin,  and  furnished  them 
with  Bibles,  and  books  the  most  likely  to  arouse  their  at- 
tention. 

But  though  thus  abounding  in  labours  for  the  good  of  all 
around  her,  self  was  not  exalted.  Her  spirit  was  preserved 
in  a  state  of  deep  humility  and  godly  fear. 

Ninth  Month,  5th. — I  have  lately  been  so  much  hurried 
by  an  almost  constant  change  of  company  and  employments, 
22 


170  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1811 

as  to  be  at  times  a  good  deal  tried,  and  I  am  fearful  my 
temper  will  be  made  irritable  "by  it.  I  think  I  may  truly 
say,  my  desire  is,  to  do  my  duty  fully  and  faithfully  to  all 
connected  with  me,  nearly  and  remotely,  rich  and  poor.  Be 
pleased,  0  Lord !  to  bless  the  small,  feeble  endeavours  of  Thy 
poor  child,  to  do  her  duty  to  others  ;  for,  without  Thy  bless- 
ing, they  are  ineffectual,  and  with  thy  blessing,  I  need  not 
doubt  but  they  will  tend  to  my  own  good,  and  to  the  good  of 
those  whom  I  desire  to  serve,  more  particularly  at  home. 
With  my  dear  little  ones  I  often  feel  myself  a  poor  mother, 
but  my  hope  is  not  in  myself;  for  I.  am  sensible  I  do  not 
apparently  manage  them  so  well,  as  many  others  do  their 
children ;  but,  0  Lord !  Thou  knowest  my  heart,  and  its 
desires  for  them,  and  that  I  may  not  be  found  wanting 
towards  them.  I  neither  ask  health  nor  riches,  nor  any- 
thing for  them  in  comparison  with  this,  that  as  they  grow 
in  years,  they  may  grow  in  favour  with  Thee,  and  with  those 
who  love  Thee,  by  walking  in  humility,  and  in  Thy  fear. 
My  feeling  of  my  own  great  deficiencies  towards,  them  and 
others,  at  times  leads  me  to  take  great  comfort  from  the 
shortness  of  life,  if  I  be  but  ready,  and  have  done  faithfully 
the  work  committed. 

In  the  Ninth  Month,  Elizabeth  Fry  visited  Norfolk :  whilst 
there,  she  attended  the  first  Bible  Meeting  held  in  Norwich. 

Earlham,  Ninth  Month,  10th. — I  think  a  more  deeply 
exercised  state,  that  has  at  times  bordered  on  distress  of 
soul,  I  hardly  ever  remember,  than  I  feel  this  morning  going 
to  Meeting ;  in  the  first  place,  with  the  Edwardses  and  my 
own  family,  in  their  various  states ;  in  the  next  place  my 
prospect  of  going  into  the  men's  Monthly  Meeting ;  and  in 
the  last,  an  idea  having  passed  my  mind,  whether  I  may  not 
have,  amongst  the  very  large  companies  who  are  likely  to 
be  here,  consisting  of  many  clergymen  and  others,  to  say 
something,  either  before  meals,  or  at  some  other  time.  The 


18U8.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  171 

•words  that  (I  believe)  have  arisen  for  my  encouragement,  are 
these,  "  The  Lord  is  my  Shepherd,  I  shall  not  want."  Yes, 
I  will  try  not  to  fear,  for  if  God  be  with  me,  who  can  bo 
against  me  ? 

12th. — What  can  I  render  for  all  his  benefits  ?  In  the  first 
place,  I  went  to  the  Meeting  for  worship  with  the  Edwardses : 
I  had  not  long  been  there,  before  I  felt  something  of  a  power 
accompanying  me,  and  words  arose,  but  my  exercise  of  mind 
was  so  great,  that  it  seemed  like  being  "  baptized  for  the 
dead :"  though  not,  that  I  know  of,  from  any  particular 
fear  of  man ;  I  was  helped  (I  believe  I  may  say),  as  to 
power,  tongue,  and  utterance.  That  Meeting  might  be  said 
to  end  well. 

Yesterday  was  a  day  indeed  : — one  that  may  be  called  a 
mark  of  the  times.  We  first  attended  a  General  Meeting  of 
the  Bible  Society,  where  it  was  sweet  to  observe  so  many,  of 
various  sentiments,  all  uniting  in  the  one  great  object,  from 
the  good  Bishop  of  Norwich  (Bathurst),  for  so  I  believe  he 
may  be  called,  to  the  dissenting  Minister,  and  young  Quaker 
(my  brother  Joseph).  We  afterwards,  about  thirty-four  of 
us,  dined  here.  I  think  there  were  six  clergymen  of  the 
Establishment;  three  dissenting  Ministers;  and  Richard 
Philips,  besides  numbers  of  others.  A  very  little  before  the 
cloth  was  removed,  such  a  power  came  over  me  of  lore,  I 
believe  I  may  say,  life,  that  I  thought  I  must  ask  for  silence 
after  Edward  Edwards  had  said  grace,  and  then  supplicate 
the  Father  of  mercies  for  His  blessing — both  of  the  fatness 
of  the  earth,  and  the  dew  of  Heaven,  upon  those,  who  thus 
desired  to  promote  His  cause,  by  spreading  the  "knowledge 
of  the  Holy  Scriptures ;  and  that  He  would  bless  their  en- 
deavours, that  the  knowledge  of  God  and  His  glory  might 
cover  the  earth,  as  the  waters  cover  the  sea ;  and  also  for  the 
preservation  of  all  present,  that  through  the  assistance  of  Hi3 
grace  we  might  so  follow  Him,  our  blessed  Lord,  in  time, 
that  we  might  eventually  enter  into  a  glorious  eternity,  where 
the  wicked  cease  from  troubling,  and  the  weary  are  at  rest. 


172  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1811. 

The  power  and  solemnity  were  very  great.  Richard  Philips 
asked  for  silence,  I  soon  knelt  down,  it  was  like  having  our 
High  Priest  amongst  us ;  independently  of  this  power,  His 
poor  instruments  are  nothing,  and  with  His  power,  how 
much  is  effected  !  I  understood  many  were  in  tears,  I  believe 
all  were  bowed  down  spiritually.  Soon  after  I  took  my 
seat  the  Baptist  minister  said,  "  This  is  an  act  of  worship ;" 
adding  that  it  reminded  him  of  that  which  the  disciples  said, 
"  When  He  walked  with  us,  did  not  our  hearts  burn  within 
us  ?"  A  clergyman  said,  "  We  want  no  wine,  for  there  is 
that  amongst  us,  that  does  instead."  A  Lutheran  minister* 
remarked,  that  although  he  could  not  always  understand  the 
words,  being  a  foreigner,  he  felt  the  Spirit  of  Prayer,  and 
went  on  to  enlarge  in  a  striking  manner.  Another  clergy- 
man spoke  to  this  effect ;  How  the  Almighty  visited  us,  and 
that  neither  sex,  nor  any  thing  else,  stood  in  the  way  of  His 
grace.  I  do  not  exactly  remember  the  words  of  any  one,  but 
it  was  a  most  striking  circumstance,  for  so  many,  of  such 
different  opinions,  thus  all  to  be  united  in  one  spirit ;  and  for 
a  poor  woman  to  be  made  the  means,  amongst  so  many  great, 
wise,  and  I  believe  good  men,  of  showing  forth  the  praise  of 
the  great  "I  am."  After  reading  last  evening,  the  dear 
Lutheran  minister,  Dr.  Steinkoff,  said  a  few  words  in  prayer. 
This  morning,  my  desire,  indeed  I  may  say  prayer,  is, 
that  this  may  not  degenerate  into  a  form  amongst  us,  and  I 
should  not  be  surprised,  if  I  had  to  express  as  much ;  how- 
ever, that  I  leave.  Be  pleased,  0  Lord !  still  to  preserve 
me  on  the  right  hand,  and  on  the  left,  and  let  me  in  no  way 
do  contrary  to  Thy  will ;  and  if  called  upon  to  testify  that 
I  can  only  unite  in  prayer,  where  I  apprehend  Thy  Spirit 
leads  into  it,  enable  me,  I  beseech  Thee,  to  do  it  so  as  to 
strengthen,  rather  than  weaken  the  love,  that  I  feel  so 
sweetly  to  unite  me  with  those  who  differ  from  myself. 

In  a  letter  from  Joseph  Hughes,  one  of  the  Secretaries  of 
the  Bible  Society,  this  occasion  is  thus  described : — 
*  Dr.  Steinkoff. 


1811.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  173 

"On  the  Monday  after  my  return,  I  proceeded  with  my 
excellent  colleagues  for  Norwich,  where  a  numerous  and 
respectable  meeting  was  held  on  Wednesday,  in  a  very  spa- 
cious and  commodious  hall ;  the  Mayor  presided ;  the  Bishop 
spoke  with  great  decision  and  equal  liberality  ;  and  the  result 
of  the  whole  was,  the  establishment  of  the  Norfolk  and  Nor- 
wich Bible  Society ;  about  X700  was  subscribed,  and  one 
happy,  amiable  sentiment  appeared  to  pervade  the  company. 
My  colleagues  and  myself  adjourned  to  Earlham,  two  milea 
from  Norwich,  where  we  had  passed  the  previous  day,  and 
where  we  had  witnessed  emanations  of  piety,  generosity,  and 
affection,  in  a  degree  that  does  not  often  meet  the  eye  of 
mortals.  Our  host  and  hostesses  were  the  Gurneys,  chiefly 
Quakers,  who,  together  with  their  guests,  amounted  to  thirty- 
four.  A  clergyman,  at  the  instance  of  one  of  the  family,  and 
I  presume  with  the  most  cordial  concurrence  of  the  rest, 
read  a  portion  of  the  Scriptures,  morning  and  evening ;  and 
twice  we  had  prayers,  I  should  have  said  thrice,  for  after 
dinner  on  the  day  of  the  Meeting,  the  pause  encouraged  by 
"  the  Society  of  Friends,"  was  succeeded  by  a  devout  address 
to  the  Deity,  by  a  female  minister,  Elizabeth  Fry,  whose 
manner  was  impressive,  and  whose  words  were  so  appro- 
priate, that  none  present  can  ever  forget  the  incident,  or 
ever  advert  to  it,  without  emotions,  alike  powerful  and  pleas- 
ing. The  first  emotion  was  surprise ;  the  second,  awe ; 
the  third,  pious  fervour.  As  soon  as  we  were  re-adjusted 
at  the  table,  I  thought  it  might  be  serviceable  to  offer  a  re- 
mark, that  proved  the  coincidence  of  my  heart  with  the  de- 
votional exercise  in  which  we  had  been  engaged ;  this  had 
the  desired  effect.  Mr.  Owen  and  others  suggested  accor- 
dant sentiments,  and  we  seemed  generally  to  feel  like  the 
Disciples,  whose  hearts  burned  within  them  as  they  walked 
to  Einmaus. 

"  The  days  passed  in  this  excellent  family,  were  opened 
with  joy,  and  closed  with  regret ;  few  such  days  will  occur 
again ;  yet  when  devotion  shall  cease  to  be  measured  by 


174  LIPE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1811. 

days,  pleasure  far  more  intense,  shall  spring  up  for  ever 
fresh ;  and  all  the  members  of  the  vast  Household  of  Faith 
shall  behold  each  other,  in  a  scene  where  purity  is  unblem- 
ished, and  harmony  uninterrupted,  and  bliss  complete  and 
everlasting. 

"  '  When  shall  I  wake  and  find  me  there  ?' " 

Plashet,  Tenth  Month,  3rd. — In  the  evening,  after  read- 
ing at  Earlham,  I  was  greatly  helped  in  prayer  for  my 
brothers  and  sisters,  who  were  all  present ;  it  was  in  thanks- 
giving and  prayer ;  acknowledging  our  many  blessings ; 
particularly,  that  of  being  so  united  with  each  other,  which 
blessing  I  craved  might  increase ;  that  we  might  increasingly 
dwell  in  God,  and  He  in  us.  I  also  prayed  for  our  little 
ones,  that  they,  with  us,  might  have  the  knowledge  of  God, 
and  of  our  blessed  Lord  Christ  Jesus  ;  that  we  might  event- 
ually obtain  a  habitation  not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the 
heavens.  It  was  a  very  solemn  time,  many,  I  believe,  wept, 
and  I  trust  all  felt  it,  and  united  in  prayer.  I  think  I  may 
say  I  went  away  rejoicing,  which  appeared  marvellous  to  me, 
my  season  of  discouragement  had,  at  times,  whilst  there, 
been  so  great ;  but  I  believe  these  things  tend  to  keep  me 
low,  and  preserve  me,  or  I  might,  when  so  uplifted,  be  tempted 
to  take  my  flight.  I  find,  on  my  return,  much  cause  for 
gratitude. 

Shortly  after  Elizabeth  Fry's  return  home,  her  baby  became 
seriously  ill :  scarcely  had  it  recovered,  ere  another  event 
claimed  her  tenderest  sympathy,  the  death  of  her  sister 
Buxton's  infant. 

Plashet,  Tenth  Month,  11th. — I  was  enabled,  on  First- 
day  evening,  to  pray  for  my  dear  children  in  their  presence ; 
since  then,  I  have  felt  more  cheerful  and  easy  about  them, 
having  committed  them  to  His  keeping,  who  alone  can  protect 
them.  I  am  but  a  poor  instrument  in  His  holy  hand.  His 
they  are,  though  He  may  have  appeared  to  give  them  to  us, 


1811.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  175 

my  heart's  desire  and  prayer  is,  that,  like  as  Hannah  with 
Samuel,  they  may  all  be  lent  unto  the  Lord.  My  dear  baby 
is  poorly,  I  desire  not  to  be  too  anxious  about  her ;  but  that 
the  Divine  will  may  alone  be  done  in  all  things,  and  that  I 
may  be  enabled  to  commend  her  to  His  holy  keeping ;  not 
that  I  feel  compunction  for  naturally  desiring  her  life,  and 
that  she  may  be  saved  from  much  suffering. 

21st. — Much  occupied  night  and  day,  by  the  illness  of 
my  sweet  babe ;  I  was  so  low  in  the  night,  that  I  shed  many 
tears ;  a  mother's  feelings  are  strong  in  me  ; — Oh,  that  I 
may  be  granted  a  submissive  and  resigned  spirit,  and  that 
imagination  may  not  colour  the  dark  side  :  may  I,  in  all  my 
various  allotments,  be  enabled  to  bow  in  faith,  before  Him, 
who  orders  all  things  well;  even  amidst  the  risings  of 
natural  feeling,  which,  rightly  modified,  I  do  not  believe  to 
be  wrong.  I  desire,  above  all,  that  not  my  will,  0  Lord  ! 
but  Thine  be  done.  Amen,  saith  my  soul. 

25th. — My  dear  babe  much  better;  it  appears  as  if  my 
prayer  had  been  heard. 

Eleventh  Month,  18th. — (The  day  of  the  funeral  of  her 
little  niece.) — To  whom  can  I  go  in  moments  of  trial,  but  to 
Him  who  hath  hitherto  helped  me  ?  Be  pleased,  0  Lord  ! 
to  be  with  us,  and  bless  the  present  occasion  to  us ;  may  it 
draw  us  nearer  to  Thee,  and  make  us  increasingly  willing  to 
become  Thy  servants,  and  Thy  handmaids;  if  anything 
should,  as  a  minister,  come  to  my  hands  to  do,  may  I  be 
helped  by  Thy  power,  and  anointed  by  Thee,  who  can  alone 
savingly  help  us.  May  the  state  of  my  heart  be  such,  that 
I  may  with  truth  say,  here  am  I,  Lord,  do  with  me  what 
Thou  wilt,  only  make  me  what  Thou  wouldest  have  me  to  be. 
May  this  event  be  of  lasting  benefit  to  us  all ;  but  more  par- 
ticularly to  the  dear  parents.  Grant  me,  0  Lord  !  wisdom 
and  power  to  proclaim  Thy  power  and  Thy  praise,  that  if 
made  use  of  at  all,  others  as  well  as  myself,  may  be  drawn 
nearer  to  Thee,  and  wholly  give  Thee  praise,  never  taking, 
or  giving,  that  glory  to  the  creature,  which  alone  belongs  to 


LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1811. 

Afternoon. — The  funeral  of  dear  little  Susannah  Buxton 
has  taken  place  to-d;iy.  The  event  of  her  death  has  been 
very  affecting  to  me,  and  most  unexpected  to  us  all.  This 
day  week,  she  only  appeared  to  have  a  cold  ;  she  was  one  of 
the  loveliest,  sweetest,  and  most  lively  of  little  babes.  She 
appeared  to  suffer  little  in  her  illness.  I  was  not  there  at 
her  death,  but  comfort  was  then  near  to  her  dear  mother, 
and  faith  that  strengthened  her  to  believe  it  was  well,  and 
that  her  spirit  had  ascended  unto  God,  who  gave  it.  This 
was  very  much  the  case  with  me  when  there  after  her  death ; 
but  naturally,  it  has  been  a  close  stroke,,  the  child  was  very 
dear  to  me,  but  consolation  has  been  near. 

We  have  had  to-day  a  very  solemn,  and,  I  trust,  in  the 
best  sense,  an  encouraging  time,  the  remembrance  of  it  is 
sweet  and  reviving  to  me.  I  was  helped  in  prayer, 
greatly  as  I  think,  and  in  a  few  words  afterwards  ;  but  may 
self  pass  unobserved,  for  there  was  a  better  than  man  pre- 
sent with  us.  Words  fall  very  short  of  expression:  Oh, 
that  all  would  come,  taste,  and  see,  how  good  the  Lord  is ; 
for  blessed  is  the  man  that  trusteth  in  Him, — although,  like 
others,  he  may  be  afflicted  ! 

Henry  Hull,  a  valuable  Friend  and  Minister  from  Amer- 
ica, was  at  this  time  frequently  a  guest  at  Plashet.  Early 
in  the  winter,  Elizabeth  Fry  believed  it  her  duty  to  unite 
with  him  in  a  religious  visit  to  some  of  the  Meetings  near 
London.  Her  sister,  Priscilla  Gurney,  accompanied  them. 

Twelfth  Month,  2$th. — My  heart  is  very  full  this  morn- 
ing, at  the  prospect  of  this  journey ;  the  tears  rise  in  my 
eyes,  for  it  appears  probable  that  we  shall  be  out  longer 
than  I  at  first  expected.  I  have  something  of  a  confidence 
that  my  beloved  family  will  be  cared  for  in  my  absence. 
My  prayer  for  myself  is,  that  I  may  not  run  without  being 
sent ;  and  if  the  gift  in  me  grows  and  increases  with  ex- 
ercise, may  I  ever  be  preserved  from  decking  myself  with 
the  Lord's  jewels. 


1812.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  177 

Plashet,  First  Month,  13th,  1812. — I  returned  safely 
home  yesterday,  and  to  my  great  comfort  found  all  my  be- 
loved children  well  and  good.     My  beloved  husband  is  gone 
into  Wales ;  all  my  household  appears  in  very  comfortable 
order ;  and  so  far  from  having  suffered  in  my  absence,  it 
appears  as  if  a  better  blessing  had  attended  them  than  com- 
mon.    Thus  much  for  them,  now   for  myself — I  may,    I 
trust,  with  gratitude  acknowledge,  that  I  have,  in  my  re- 
ligious duties,  experienced  the  Lord  to  go  before  me,  and  to 
prove  my  rear-ward ;  I  have  naturally  been  in  a  low  estate, 
much  felt  my  absence  from  home,  and  have  not  been  well 
in  my  health.     I  have  also,  in  a  spiritual  sense,  been  often 
brought  low,  under  a  peculiar  feeling  of  some  of  my  in- 
firmities, and  great  fear  of  the  power  of  the  tempter.     I 
have  felt  much  increased  value  and  love  for  Henry  Hull,  and 
dear  Priscilla  has  been  a  sweet,  kind,  and  valuable  compa- 
nion ;  may  our  union  be  farther  cemented.     My  desire  for 
myself  on  my  return  is,  that  I  may  walk  within  my  house 
with  a  perfect  heart. 

Second  Month,  1st. — On  reading  over  my  old  journals 
yesterday,  it  has  led  me  to  admire  how  some  of  my  early 
prayers  and  desires  have  been  answered  ;  how  gradual  has 
been  the  arising  and  opening  of  Divine  Power  in  my  heart. 
How  much  has  occurred  to  strengthen  my  weak  faith,  and 
doubting,  fearful  heart ;  how  much  has  been  done  for  me, 
and  how  little  have  I  done  myself ;  how  much  have  I  re- 
belled, except  in  the  day  of  power ;  how  often  unwatchful ; 
yet  in  mercy,  how  has  help  been  administered,  even  a  willing 
heart,  which  I  consider  an  unspeakable  gift ;  but  I  think  I 
should  have  flourished  better,  and  grown  stronger  by  this 
time,  had  I  more  fully  and  more  faithfully  followed  the 
Lamb  whithersoever  He  goeth.  My  heart's  desire  and  prayer 
for  myself,  above  everything  else,  is,  that  this  may  be  more 
entirely  done  by  me.  0  Lord  !  be  pleased  still  to  carry  on 
Thy  own  work  in  me,  until  Thou  hast  made  me  what  Thou 
wouldest  have  me  to  be;  even  entirely  Thy  servant,  in 
23 


178  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1812. 

thought,  word,  and  deed  !  Thou  only  knowest  my  weakness 
and  fear  of  suffering  ;  when  in  Thine  infinite  wisdom,  Thou 
mayst  see  meet  to  afflict,  be  pleased  to  mix  mercy  with  judg- 
ment, and  uphold  me  by  Thine  own  power ;  I  thank  Thee 
for  all  Thy  benefits  towards  me,  and  desire  to  prove  my 
gratitude  by  my  love  and  good  works.  0  Lord !  enable  me 
so  to  do  !  Amen. 

3rd. — The  prospect  I  have  had  for  some  months,  of  going 
into  Norfolk,  to  attend  the  Monthly  and  Quarterly  Meetings, 
is  now  brought  home  to  me,  as  I  must  apply  to  my  next 
Monthly  Meeting  for  permission.  It  is  no  doubt  a  sacrifice 
of  natural  feeling,  to  leave  the  comforts  of  home,  and  my 
beloved  husband  and  children ;  and  to  my  weak,  nervous 
habits,  the  going  about,  and  alone  (for  so  I  feel  it  in  one 
sense  without  my  husband)  is,  I  have  found  from  experience, 
a  trial  greater  than  I  imagined  ;  and  my  health  suffers  much 
I  think,  from  my  habits  being  necessarily  so  different.  This 
consideration,  of  its  being  a  cross  to  my  nature,  I  desire  not 
to  weigh  in  the  scale ;  though,  no  doubt,  for  the  sake  of 
others,  as  well  as  myself,  my  health  being  so  shaken  is  a 
serious  thing.  What  I  desire  to  consider  most  deeply  is 
this : — Have  I  authority  for  leaving  my  home  and  evident 
duties  ?  What  leads  me  to  believe  I  have  ?  for  I  need  not 
doubt  that  when  away,  and  at  times  greatly  tried,  this  query 
is  likely  to  arise.  The  prospect-has  come  in  that  quiet,  yet, 
I  think,  powerful  way,  that  I  have  never  been  able  to  believe 
I  should  get  rid  of  it ;  indeed  hitherto  I  have  hardly  felt 
anything  but  a  calm  cheerfulness  about  it,  and  very  little 
anxiety.  It  seems  to  me  as  if,  in  this  journey,  I  must  be 
stripped  of  outward  dependences,  and  my  watchword  appears 
to  be, — "My  soul,  wait  thou  ONLY  upon  God;  for  my  expec- 
tation is  from  Him." 

6th. — My  beloved  little  ones  have  been  ill  with  a  severe 
cold,  and  my  sweet  babe  has  so  very  serious  an  attack,  and 
one  that  has  now  lasted  some  days,  that  I  believe  her  life  is 
thought  to  be  in  danger.  I  have  suffered  a  good  deal,  the 


1812.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  179 

most  in  the  night ;  my  desire  for  myself  is,  to  be  enabled  to 
submit  to  the  dispensations  of  Almighty  wisdom,  and  that 
faith  may  be  granted  me,  to  drink  the  cup,  whatever  it  may 
be,  as  coming  from  the  Lord's  holy  hand  ;  nothing  doubting 
that  it  will  be  ordered  in  infinite  wisdom  and  mercy.  Na- 
tural feelings  I  do  not  desire  to  be  without,  for  I  had  rather 
have  them,  if  under  proper  subjection.  Jesus  wept,  may  not 
we  ?  I  feel  much  gratitude  that  her  sufferings  appear  com- 
paratively small,  and  rather  to  decrease ;  if  I  could  have  a 
prayer  on  her  account  outwardly,  it  would  be  that  she  might 
be  spared  much  suffering ;  but  I  desire  and  pray  above  all 
things,  that  I  may  leave  all  to  Him,  who  has  dealt  with  me 
and  my  little  ones,  in  unspeakable  mercy,  that  He  will  yet 
watch  over  us  for  good,  and  not  permit  us  to  suffer  more 
than  is  best  for  us.  How  much  better  to  have  her  life  cut 
short  in  innocency,  than  for  her  to  live  to  that  state,  in  which 
her  sins  should  have  separated  her  from  God.  Be  pleased, 
O  Lord  !  to  grant  Thy  poor  servant  and  her  little  one,  strength 
sufficient  for  the  day,  and  whether  mourning  or  rejoicing  be 
my  portion,  may  it  work  together  for  my  good,  and  make 
me  a  better  servant  to  Thee.  Amen,  and  Amen. 

1th. — A  few  hours  after  I  last  wrote,  a  change  took  place 
in  the  dear  babe  for  the  better,  and  the  amendment  has  been 
gradual  since.  I  desire  to  receive  it  as  from  the  blessed 
hand  that  makes  sore  and  binds  up,  that  wounds  and  makes 
whole. 

'20th. — My  sister,  Elizabeth  Fry,  means  to  go  with  me 
into  Norfolk  :  my  uncle  Joseph  is  likely  to  go  another  way : 
it  appears  as  if  I  could  not  mind  much  who  is  to  go  with  me. 
But  I  feel  disposed  to  a  very  single  dependence,  and  if  I  be 
rightly  put  forth  to  this  service,  may  He  who  puts  me  forth, 
be  with  me  ;  if  I  have  to  administer  food  to  others,  may  it  be 
that  which  is  convenient 'for  them,  and  which  will  tend  to 
their  lasting  nourishment.  I  have  often  thought  that,  in  this 
little  prospect,  I  must  go  like  David,  when  he  went  to  slay 
the  giant.  I  am  ashamed  of  the  comparison ;  but  I  only 


180  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1812. 

mean  it  in  this  respect,  I  go,  not  trusting  in  any  power  or 
strength  of  my  own ;  I  feel  I  dare  look  to  no  helper  out- 
wardly. I  feel  young  and  a  stripling,  without  armour,  yet  I 
trust  the  Lord  will  be  with  me,  and  make  the  sling  and  stone 
effectual,  if  He  please  to  make  use  of  His  poor  child,  to  slay 
the  giant  in  any  one. 

JEarlham,  Third  Month,  14th. — Have  I  not  renewed  reason 
for  faith,  hope,  and  confidence  in  the  principle  which  I  desire 
to  follow  ?  In  the  night,  I  had  to  acknowledge  that  the  work 
must  be  Thine,  0  Lord !  and  that  it  is  to  me  wonderful. 
My  fears  and  causes  of  discouragement  were  many ;  for  some 
little  time  before  I  set  off,  my  own  poor  health,  and  my  little 
ones ;  then  my  lowness  and  stupidity.  In  the  first  place,  my 
health  and  the  dear  children's  improved  so  much,  and  I 
inwardly  so  brightened,  that  I  left  home  very  comfortably. 
As  I  went  on  my  way,  such  abundant  hope  arose,  that  light, 
rather  than  darkness,  appeared  to  surround  me.  I  have  now 
attended  the  Monthly  Meetings,  and  three  other  Meetings. 
I  have  also  had  frequent  opportunities  of  a  religious  nature, 
in  families  ;  the  most  remarkable  were,  one  in  a  clergyman's 
family,  in  supplication  for  him  and  his  house,  and  another, 
where  he  had  to  supplicate  for  my  help.  May  I  ever  re- 
member how  utterly  unfit  I  am,  in  myself,  for  all  these 
works :  unto  me  alone  belongs  abasedness.  I  can  take 
nothing  to  myself.  As  Thou  hast  seen  meet,  0  Lord  ! 
Thou,  who  art  strength  in  weakness,  thus  to  make  use  of 
Thy  poor  hand-maid,  as  an  instrument  in  Thy  service,  be 
pleased  to  keep  her  from  the  evil,  both  in  reality  and  ap- 
pearance, that  she  never  may,  in  any  way,  bring  reproach 
upon  Thy  cause ! 

\Qth. — I  expect  my  beloved  brother,  John,  will  be  here 
to-day ;  may  I  be  enabled  to  walk  before  him  in  humility 
and  godly  fear,  (not  the  fear  of  man,)  that  he,  at  least,  may 
be  enabled  to  believe  that  I  am  not  following  cunningly 
devised  fables,  or  imaginations  of  my  own,  but  rather  seek- 


1812.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  181 

ing  to  follow  a  crucified  Redeemer,  in  the  way  in  which  He 
leads  me. 

In  a  letter  to  her  cousin,  Joseph  Gurney  Bevan,  she 
alludes  to  the  duties  in  which  she  was  engaged : — 

May  I  now  be  enabled  to  attend  to  my  own  vineyard,  and 
after  having  been  made  instrumental,  thus  to  warn  and 
encourage  others,  may  I  not  become  a  cast-away  myself.  I 
hardly  understand  what  Friends  mean  by  reward  for  such 
services,  for  I  do  not  feel  the  work  mine,  and  no  reward  is 
due ;  as  for  reward,  is  it  not  enough  to  feel  a  Power,  better 
than  ourselves,  influencing  and  strengthening  us  to  do  the 
work  that,  we  humbly  trust,  is  His  own  ?  for  what  honour, 
favour,  or  blessing  so  great,  as  being  engaged  in  the  service 
of  Him  whom  we  love,  in  whatever  way  it  be,  whether  per- 
forming one  duty  or  another,  and  having  a  little  evidence 
granted  us,  that  we  are  doing  His  will,  or  endeavouring  to 
do  it  ?  I  peculiarly  feel,  in  ministerial  duties,  that  I  have 
no  part,  because  the  whole  appears  a  gift, — the  willing  heart, 
the  power,  and  everything  attending  it ;  the  poor  creature 
has  only  to  remain  as  passive  as  possible,  willing  to  be 
operated  upon. 

Plashct,  Third  Month,  28th. — I  will  first  mention  how  it 
was  with  me  in  the  Norwich  Quarterly  Meeting.  I  went, 
looking  to  Him  who  has  hitherto  helped  me  ;  my  beloved 
uncle  Joseph  said  a  few  words,  as  a  seal  to  what  I  had 
expressed,  and  it  was,  I  believe,  a  peculiarly  solemn  and 
favoured  time :  much  blessed  in  a  few  words  of  supplication, 
at  the  Grove,  before  dinner.  In  the  adjourned  Meeting,  I 
felt  it  safest  to  go  to  the  Men's  Meeting,  where  I  had  to  bid 
them  farewell  in  the  Lord ;  after  I  had  been  helped  with  a 
few  words  of  tender  love  and  encouragement,  Sarah  Bowly 
said  a  little,  and  then  my  dear  sister  Elizabeth  arose,  and 
said,  "  She  hoped  what  had  passed  that  day,  would  not  be 
attended  to  as  a  tale  that  was  told,  but  as  everlasting 


182  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1812. 

truths ;"  which  appeared  to  me  to  bring  great  solemnity  and 
sweetness  with  it.  In  the  Women's  Meeting,  we  also  had  a 
very  solemn  time  at  parting,  in  which  I  bade  them  farewell ; 
desiring  that  we  might  all  ascend,  step  by  step,  that  ladder 
which  reaches  from  earth  to  heaven.  Before  we  set  off,  I 
had,  after  reading,  in  heart-felt  and  heart-tendering  suppli- 
cation, to  pray  for  the  preservation  of  the  family,  and  our 
support  in  the  day  of  trial ;  and  amidst  all  the  various  turn- 
ings and  overturnings  of  the  Holy  Hand  upon  us.  Here  I 
once  more  am,  surrounded  by  outward  blessings,  and  well  in 
health;  yet  I  hardly  know  how  to  return  thanks,  or  to 
rejoice  in  Him  who  has  helped  me,  being  poor,  low,  stripped, 
the  tears  come  into  my  eyes.  Though  cast  down,  I  love  the 
Lord  above  all,  and  desire,  through  the  saving,  redeeming 
power  of  Him,  who  came  to  save  that  which  was  lost,  and 
has,  I  believe,  proved  a  Saviour  to  me  in  part,  that  I  may 
draw  nearer  and  nearer  to  the  most  high  God,  and  become 
in  all  things  more  completely  His. 

The  reader  will,  perhaps,  be  struck  with  the  expression 
"  in  part,"  as  applied  to  the  Saviour's  work ;  an  extract  from 
a  letter  which  is  here  introduced,  written  to  a  clergyman, 
Edward  Edwards,  explains  that  her  use  of  these  words  arose, 
not  from  any  mistrust  of  the  saving  power  of  Christ,  but  from 
her  consciousness  that  the  great  work  of  sanctification  in  her 
heart  was  incomplete  and  unfinished. 

My  beloved  Friend, 

Thy  letter  is  one  I  do  not  desire  lightly  to  answer,  as  I 
wish  to  receive  it  and  attend  to  it,  with  the  seriousness  it 
deserves,  as  coming  from  one,  who  I  believe  desires  the 
prosperity  of  truth,  individually  and  generally  ;  and  in  this 
desire,  has  with  love  addressed  me,  for  my  own  good,  and 
also  the  good  of  the  body  to  which  I  belong.  I  hope 
to  profit  by  it ;  I  am  spiritually  but  a  child,  "  I  think  as  a 
child,  I  speak  as  a  child,  and  I  understand  as  a  child."  I 


1812.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  183 

do  not  believe  that  the  great  mysteries  of  the  gospel  are,  by 
any  means,  fully  opened  to  me  ;  but  my  dependence  is  on 
Him  who  has  so  far  opened  my  eyes,  that  He  will,  in  His 
own  time,  further  enlighten,  confirm,  settle,  and  strengthen 
me  in  that  faith,  which  is  the  substance  of  things  hoped  for, 
the  evidence  of  things  not  seen.  Thus  far  I  believe,  from 
having  experienced  what  it  is  to  feel  alienated  or  separated 
from  my  God,  no  doubt  by  corruptions  and  sin.  I  experi- 
enced the  state  of  being  under  the  law ;  I  may  truly  say, 
"  I  know  that  in  me,  that  is,  in  my  flesh,  dwelleth  no  good 
thing  ;  for  to  will  is  present  with  me,  but  how  to  perform 
that  which  is  good,  I  find  not ;  for  the  good  that  I  would  I 
do  not ;  but  the  evil  which  I  would  not  that  I  do."  Thus  I 
have  experienced  and  do  yet  experience,  that  it  is  not  in 
me,  or  my  fleshly  nature,  to  do  or  to  will  any  good  thing. 
Then  how  naturally  do  these  words  arise,  "  0  !  wretched  man, 
(or  woman,) that  I  am,  who  shall  deliver  me  from  the  body 
of  this  death  ?"  Then  comes  the  Saviour,  then  comes  the 
Deliverer,  to  whom  can  I  go,  but  to  Him,  who  alone  has 
the  words  of  eternal  life  ?  I  feel  ashamed  of  now  bringing 
my  experiences  forward,  as  it  is  with  humility  and  confusion 
of  face,  that  I  may  acknowledge  that  I  have  also  felt  what  it 
is,  in  a  measure,  to  be  in  Christ  Jesus  ;  "  for  the  law  of  the 
spirit  of  life  in  Christ  Jesus,  maketh  us  free  from  the  law 
of  sin  and  death  ;  for  what  the  law  could  not  do,  in  that  it 
was  weak  through  the  flesh,  God  sending  his  own  Son  in 
the  likeness  of  sinful  flesh,  and  for  sin,  condemned  sin  in 
the  flesh,  that  the  righteousness  of  the  law  might  be  fulfilled 
in  those  who  walk  not  after  the  flesh,  but  after  the  Spirit." 
I  have  thus  quoted  Scripture,  because  I  know  no  other  way 
of  so  clearly  expressing  my  own  faith,  and  experience  in 
measure,  and  also  what  I  believe  to  be  the  faith  of  the  body, 
(though  there  may  be  unbelievers  amongst  us  as  well  as 
others,)  that  we  lay  aside  all  our  own  works,  and  believe  we 
neither  will,  nor  do,  of  ourselves,  but  that  it  is  God,  or  the 
saving  power  of  Christ,  that  worketh  in  us  to  will  and  to 


184  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1812. 

do  ;  that  wo  desire  alone,  to  give  all  the  glory  to  Him,  of 
whatever  is  done  to  his  praise,  believing  Him  to  be  the 
author  and  finisher  of  our  faith,  and  our  only  hope  of  glory. 
The  work  of  regeneration  is  a  gradual  one,  and  I  feel,  if 
alive  at  all,  only  a  beginner,  therefore  do  not  understand 
that  I  feel  free  from  the  law  of  sin  and  death  ;  but  I  believe 
if  the  Spirit  of  Christ  in  us  be  permitted  to  operate,  and  is 
not  resisted  by  our  wills,  we  may  experience  a  being  made 
free  from  the  law  of  sin  and  spiritual  death,  even  here  below. 

Fourth  Month,  4th. — Since  I  last  wrote,  I  have  been  af- 
flicted inwardly  and  outwardly  ;  I  have  had  a  more  serious 
attack  of  illness  than  I  have  had  for  many  months.  It  led 
me  to  consider,  if  taken  hence,  where  would  be  my  hope  ? 
To  feel  an  operative  faith,  of  being  accepted  through  the 
mercy  of  God  in  Christ,  is  a  gift  which  we  cannot  command. 
Oh !  that  my  soul  may  be  more  deeply  anchored .  in  this 
faith,  that  nothing  may  be  permitted  to  shake  it :  I  also 
find,  that  without  the  present  gift  of  faith,  I  cannot  commit 
my  beloved  husband  and  children  to  His  holy  keeping,  who 
can  alone  preserve  them. 

\Qth. — I  am  poorly,  and  I  believe  five  of  my  dear  chil- 
dren have  the  whooping-cough ;  but  all  now  appears  light,  nay, 
more  than  light ;  such  sweetness  has  covered  my  mind,  little 
short,  at  times,  of  joy  and  peace,  as  if  no  alloy  were  permit- 
ted to  take  hold :  so  are  we  dealt  with,  not  according  to  our 
merits,  but  to  His  mercy,  who  careth  for  His  poor  dependent 
ones,  and  enlivens  them  when  He  seeth  meet. 

This  letter  to  her  brother,  John  Gurney,  undated,  was 
obviously  written  during  this  spring,  not  long  after  her 
Norfolk  journey. 

My  dear  John, 

I  feared  thou  wouldest  almost  think  me  forgetful  of  thee 
in  not  having  expressed  my  near  interest  in  thy  welfare  for 
so  long ;  but  feeling  very  low  this  morning,  to  whom  can  I 
write  better  than  to  one  who  mourns,  and  can  sympathize 


1812.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  185 

with  me,  though  our  causes  for  suffering  may  be  different  ? 
I  hope  my  last  letter  did  not  hurt  dear  Catherine  and  Rachel. 
I  have  felt  fearful  how  far  it  was  right  for  me  to  touch  upon 
their  present  state,  lest  I  should  hurt  the  cause  I  most  desire 
to  advocate  ;  I  am,  therefore,  cautious  of  saying  much,  but  I 
very  deeply  feel  the  state  of  the  family,  believing  it  not  un- 
likely they  will  leave  a  path  that  has  to  me  appeared  a 
remarkably  blessed  and  safe  one !  and  not  only  to  so  weak 
an  instrument  as  I  am,  but  surely  there  have  been  many  in 
our  family,  that,  in  the  same  path,  have  done  credit  to  the 
Christian  cause.  However,  I  desire  to  leave  it,  if  in  ever  so 
small  a  degree  my  tears  and  prayers,  (when  enabled  to  offer 
them,)  may  prove  effectual  in  desiring  preservation  for  you 
all,  that  after  trying  all  things,  you  may  indeed  be  enabled  to 
hold  fast  that  which  is  good,  even  if  it  lead  you  into  a  different 
path  from  me ;  but  I  acknowledge  it  has  been  sweet  to  me, 
whenever  I  have  had  a  hope  that  the  day  might  come,  when 
we  should  fully  unite  in  spiritual  things ;  but  if  it  never 
should,  may  true  charity  and  love  be  our  portion ;  I  mean 
that  spirit  of  charity  that  comes  from  above,  and  unites  all 
true  and  sincere  travellers  Zion-ward.  I  should  much  like 
soon  to  hear  from  you ;  with  regard  to  thee  and  Rachel  I  have 
no  fear  about  your  love  for  me,  for  I  could  believe,  much  as 
we  have  differed,  we  have  never  been  separated  ;  indeed,  dear 
John,  when  thou  lived  to  the  world,  how  did  my  soul  pant 
after  thee,  what  tender  solicitude  have  I  felt  on  thy  account, 
and  now  I  do  indeed  rejoice  in  thy  experience.  I  cannot 
think,  if  when  we  felt  so  very  differently,  we  loved  so  much, 
that  now  when  we  desire  to  be  following  the  same  Master, 
and  to  be  devoted  to  the  same  cause,  we  shall  be  separated — 
1  believe  it  cannot  be. 

Plashet,  Fourth  Month,  24lh. — To  whom  can  I  go  when 

brought  into  straitened  places,  but  to  Him  who  has  hitherto 

succoured  me,  in  His  own  way  ?    Snares  arc  apt  to  beset  me 

on  every  hand ;  for  there  are  left,  as  well  as  right  hand  errors. 

24 


186  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1812. 

I  expected  to  remain  pretty  quietly  at  home,  but  I  have  been 
four  times  to  Meeting  this  week.  Seldom  have  I  had  to  move 
much  more  in  the  cross,  than  on  Third-day ;  how  did  I 
naturally  flinch,  how  did  I  recoil,  at  a  prospect  which  came 
unexpectedly  upon  me,  of  going  into  the  Men's  Meeting  at 
Plaistow.  In  the  Meetings  for  Discipline,  I  sought  Him  to 
whom  power  belongeth,  and  in  His  power,  His  people  are 
made  a  willing  people ;  I  believe  my  prayers  were  heard ; 
and  may  I,  as  need  to  be  the  case  with  all  pilgrims,  who  seek 
to  go  Zion-ward,  not  turn  from  anything,  from  unwillingness 
and  impatience.  May  we  rather  seek  Him,  who  "giveth 
power  to  the  faint,  and  to  him  that  hath  no  might  He  in- 
creaseth  strength." 

Sixth  Month,  16th. — It  now  appears  too  late  to  give  much 
account  of  the  Yearly  Meeting.  The  prospect  of  going  into 
the  Men's  Meeting,  naturally  was  so  awful,  nay,  almost 
dreadful,  that  as  I  sat  at  breakfast,  fears  arose  lest  my  under- 
standing should  fail;  however,  though  in  great  measure 
taken  from  me,  upon  first  sitting  down  in  Meeting,  yet  after 
a  time  the  concern  arose  with  tranquillity,  and  with  a  power- 
ful, though  small  voice,  at  least  with  power  sufficient  to 
enable  me  to  cast  my  burden  upon  the  Meeting  ;  this  brought, 
I  thought,  great  solemnity ;  I  appeared  to  have  the  full  unity 
of  Friends  :  dear  Rebecca  Bevan  went  with  me  ;  I  felt  my- 
self much  helped  when  there  ;  matter,  tongue,  and  utterance 
were  all  given  in  testimony  and  supplication.  I  think  the 
calm  frame  I  enjoyed,  'upon  returning  into  the  Women's 
Meeting,  must  almost  be  a  foretaste  of  that  rest  which  the 
soul  pants  after. 

During  this  annual  assembly,  which,  as  usual,  occupied  the 
concluding  twelve  days  of  the  Fifth  Month,  a  circumstance 
occurred  that  filled  many  hearts,  of  every  class  amongst 
those  who  were  privileged  to  convene  on  the  solemn  occa- 
sion, with  deep  and  tender  sympathy.  A  beloved  messenger 
of  the  gospel,  who  had  crossed  the  Atlantic,  in  order  to  pay 


1812.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FEY.  187 

a  visit  of  christen  love  to  his  brethren  and  sisters  in  religious 
fellowship,  in  Great  Britain,  &c.,  was  introduced  into  a  dis- 
pensation of  sorrow  of  no  common  character.  He  had,  as  a 
father  in  the  church,  been  instrumental  in  nurturing  many, 
especially  among  the  younger  members.  They  shared  his 
affliction ;  but  it  became  the  interesting  duty  of  Elizabeth 
Fry,  at  whose  house  he  was  an  inmate,  to  extend  to  him 
those  affectionate  and  soothing  attentions,  and  to  minister  to 
him  those  consolations,  which  she  was  so  peculiarly  qualified 
to  offer,  and  which  his  bereaved  spirit  so  greatly  needed. 
After  the  close  occupations  of  this  mournful  period  had  a 
little  subsided,  she  writes  : — 

Sixth  Month. — My  press  of  engagements  has  been  very 
great;  in  the  first  place,  the  deep  affliction  of  our  much- 
loved  friend,  Henry  Hull.  He  having  received  letters,  to 
say,  that  his  wife,  son,  mother,  and  brother-in-law,  were  all 
dead  of  a  contagious  fever,  and  the  lives  of  the  rest  of  the 
family  very  uncertain  ;  much  as  he  suffered,  he  bore  it  like 
a  man,  and  a  Christian,  so  as  to  encourage,  rather  than  try 
my  faith ;  it  of  course  took  up  my  time  and  attention,  to 
wait  upon,  and  care  for  him.  We  have  had  a  very  largo 
family  party,  my  brother  and  sister  Fry,  three  children  and 
servants ;  my  sister  Elizabeth,  and  cousin  Sarah,  besides 
many  Friends,  backwards  and  forwards :  with  much  illness 
in  the  house,  my  sister  and  her  nurse,  and  also  her  baby, 
very  dangerously  ill.  These  have  all  been  objects  of  care, 
and  interest,  so  that  I  am  sorry  to  say,  I  have  been,  at  times, 
so  weighed  down,  and  panting  for  rest,  that  I  have  been 
almost  irritable,  and  I  fear  not  enough  estimated  the  value 
of  their  company,  or  the  comfort  of  being  able  to  serve 
them  ;  but  I  hope  my  health  may  be  some  excuse  for  me, 
for  they  are  very  dear  to  me.  I  think  my  temper  requires 
very  great  watchfulness,  for  the  exercises  of  my  mind,  my 
very  numerous  interests,  and  the  irritability  excited  by  my 
bodily  infirmities,  cause  me  to  be  in  so  tender  and  touchy  a 


188  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1812 

state,  that  the  "  grasshopper  becomes  a  burden."*  In  this, 
as  in  all  my  infirmities,  I  have  but  one  hope ;  it  is  in  the 
power  of  Him,  who  has  in  mercy  answered  my  prayers,  and 
helped  me  in  many  of  my  difficulties,  and  I  humbly  trust 
yet  will  arise  for  my  deliverance.  As  to  the  ministry,  I 
have  been  raised  up,  and  at  times  cast  down,  but  my  heart 
and  attention  have  been  mostly  turned  to  rigidly  perform- 
ing my  practical  duties  in  life,  which  is  my  object,  by  night 
and  by  day.  I  have  felt,  as  if  I  could  rest  in  nothing  short 
of  serving  Him  whom  my  soul  loves,  but  I  desire  to  watch, 
and  am  fully  aware  that  with  regard  to  myself,  I  have 
nothing  to  trust  to,  but  mercy ;  but  leaving  myself,  I  long 
whilst  permitted  to  remain  in  mortality,  not  to  be  a  drone, 
but  to  do  every  thing  to  the  glory  of  God.  I  think  I 
desire  to  do  all  things  well,  more  for  the  cause  sake,  than 
for  the  sake  of  my  own  soul,  as  my  conviction  of  the  mercy 
and  loving  kindness  of  Him  who  loveth  us,  and  who  is 
touched  with  a  feeling  of  our  infirmities,  is  so  great,  that 
whilst  my  heart  is  seeking  to  serve  Him,  (full  as  I  am 
of  defects,)  I  am  ready  to  trust  that,  that  mercy  which  has 
hitherto  compassed  me  about,  will  be  with  me  to  the  end  of 
time,  and  continue  with  me  through  eternity.  The  fear  of 
punishment  hardly  even  arises,  or  has  arisen  in  my  mind ; 
it  is  more  the  certain  knowledge  that  I  have,  of  the  blessed- 
ness of  serving  our  Master,  and  the  very  strong  excitement 
of  love  and  gratitude,  and  desire  for  the  promotion  of  the 
blessed  cause  upon  earth.  Through  all  my  tried  states,  I 
have  one  unspeakable  blessing  to  acknowledge ;  and  that  is, 
an  increase  of  faith.' 

Seventh  Month,  3rd. — We  have,  for  the  last  week,  been 
alone,  which  appears  greatly  to  have  recruited  soul  and  body ; 
I  much  wanted  this  time  with  my  dear  husband  and  child- 

*  In  reference  to  this  allusion  to  irritability,  her  family,  and  those 
who  were  her  most  constant  attendants,  have  expressed  much  surprise 
at  the  entry — as  nothing  approaching  to  improper  temper  was  ever 
apparent  to  those  aruund  her. 


1812.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  189 

ren,  it  has  enabled  me  to  turn  my  attention  to  my  home 
duties,  and  I  trust  I  may  rest  pretty  easy  in  believing  things 
are  generally  in  good  order,  as  to  servants,  children,  &c.,  &c. 
The  poor  may  want  a  little  further  investigation ;  I  feel 
thankful  in  thus  being  enabled  to  stop  and  examine  the  state 
of  my  family  and  house.  How  much  I  have  to  be  thankful 
for,  though  all  may  not  be  quite  what  I  wish ;  how  many 
valuable  dependents  I  have  :  those  who  I  believe  love  us, 
and  that  which  is  good  ;  some  I  hope  will  remain  our  friends 
for  life.  My  beloved  children,  who  are  come  almost  to  an 
age  of  understanding,  I  long  to  see  more  under  the  Cross  of 
Christ,  and  less  disposed  to  give  way  to  their  own  wills ;  I 
sometimes  indulge  them  too  much  when  young,  I  mean  when 
very  little,  and  perhaps  their  nurses  do  so  too.  I  could 
desire,  though  it  appears  asking  a  great  deal,  as  to  things 
temporal,  that,  if  right  for  us,  we  may  be  able,  through  life, 
to  live  in  the  open,  liberal  way  we  do  now,  endeavouring  to 
make  all  around  us  comfortable,  and  that  we  may  be  able  to 
continue  generous  friends  to  the  poor.  I  fear  that  to  be 
much  limited,  would  be  very  difficult  to  me  :  I  desire  that  my 
attention  being  so  much  turned  to  things  temporal,  may  not 
hinder  my  progress  in  things  spiritual ;  I  do  not  believe  it 
injurious  to  have  the  natural  part  occupied  in  natural  things, 
provided  all  be  done  under  subjection,  and  with  a  single  eye 
to  the  service  of  our  great  Master.' 

Plaahet,  Eiyhth  Month,  14th. — Eighteen,  in  addition  to 
our  own  family,  slept  here  last  night ;  we  passed  a  comfort- 
able, and,  I  hope,  not  an  unsatisfactory  day.  When  sur- 
rounded by  many  of  my  own  family,  I  desire  to  be  preserved 
from  the  spirit  of  judgment,  but  I  find  it  difficult  not  to  be 
on  the  watch  with  those  who  have  been  outwardly  baptized ; 
how  far  the  living  baptism  shines  forth  in  them,  and  enables 
to  renounce  the  devil  and  all  his  works,  the  pomps,  lusts,  and 
vanities  of  this  present  world.  Surely,  saith  my  soul,  there 
is  but  one  saving  baptism,  even  that  which  redeems  from 
the  world ;  and  I  more  and  more  think  I  see  the  danger  of 


190  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1812. 

the  outward  form  or  ordinance,  lest  any  should  deceive  them- 
selves (into  thinking)  that  they  are  baptized  into  Christ, 
when  in  reality  they  know  little  about  it ;  not  that  I  judge 
those  before  alluded  to,  but  there  is  need  of  further  washing, 
I  believe,  in  them,  and  in  me. 

Ninth  Month,  2nd. — This  morning  our  poor  servant,  who 
has  for  some  weeks  kept  his  bed  very  seriously  ill,  died.  I 
feel  that  I  have  cause  for  humble  gratitude,  in  having  been, 
at  the  awful  time,  strengthened  by  faith,  and  I  believe,  I  may 
say,  having  experienced  the  Divine  presence  near ;  I  have 
often  sat  and  watched  by  his  bed-side,  desiring  to  know 
whether  I  had  anything  to  do,  or  «ay,  as  to  his  soul's  welfare. 
I  found  neither  feeling,  faith,  nor  ability,  to  say  or  do  much 
more,  than  endeavour  to  turn  his  mind  towards  his  Maker, 
but  I  think  never  more  than  once,  in  anything  of  the  anointing 
power.  Yesterday  morning  I  found  him  much  worse,  a 
struggle  upon  him  that  appeared  breaking  the  thread  of  life, 
and  his  sufferings  great,  mentally  and  bodily.  The  first  thing 
I  found  in  myself  was,  that  a  willing  mind  was  granted  me, 
and  in  sitting  by  him,  the  power  and  spirit  of  supplication 
and  intercession  for  him  arose,  to  which  I  gave  way  ;  it  im- 
mediately appeared  to  bring  a  solemn  tranquillity,  his  pains 
and  restlessness  were  quieted ;  his  understanding,  I  believe, 
was  quite  clear  :  he  thanked  me,  and  said,  "  God  bless  you, 
ma'am,"  as  if  he  felt  much  comfort  in  what  had  passed.  Faith, 
love,  and  calmness,  were  the  covering  of  my  mind.  He  had, 
I  believe,  only  one  or  two  more  slight  struggles  after  I  left 
him  ;  after  that  I  was  sent  for,  and  found  that  the  conflict 
appeared  over,  and  he  breathed  his  last  in  about  a  quarter  of 
an  hour.  There  was  peculiar  sweetness,  and  great  silence 
and  solemnity  in  the  room.  I  had  to  acknowledge  that  I  be- 
lieved the  mercy  of  our  Heavenly  Father  was  then  extended 
towards  him,  and  to  express  a  desire,  that  it  might,  in  the 
same  awful  moment,  be  extended  towards  us,  feeling  how 
greatly  we  stood  in  need  of  mercy.  The  rest  of  the  day 
passed  off  as  well  as  I  could  expect ;  I  feared  lest  the  servants 


1812.]  LIFE  OP  ELIZABETH  FRY.  191 

and  others  should  attribute  that  praise  to  me,  with  which  I 
had  nothing  to  do,  for  I  could  not  have  prayed,  or  found  an 
answer  to  prayer,  without  an  anointing  from  the  Most  High. 
It  led  me  to  feel  it  a  blessing  to  be  entrusted  with  this  sacred 
and  precious  gift ;  for  though  ministers  may  have  much  to 
pass  through,  and  many  crosses  to  take  up,  for  their  own 
good  and  that  of  others,  yet,  it  is  a  marvellous  gift  when  the 
pure  life  stirs,  operates,  and  brings  down  strongholds.  My 
nerves  were  rather  shaken,  so  as  to  make  me  naturally  fear- 
ful, at  times,  the  rest  of  the  day.  I  have  a  great  desire, 
that  this  event  may  be  blessed  to  the  household,  more  par- 
ticularly the  servants,  that  it  may  humble  and  bow  their 
spirits,  that  they  may  live  more  in  love,  and  grow  in  the 
knowledge  of  God,  and  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ. 

The  funeral  of  the  servant  was  fixed  for  the .  following 
First-day:  as  the  time  approached,  Elizabeth  Fry  felt  an 
earnest  desire  arise  in  her  heart,  that  the  occasion  might  be 
one  of  benefit  to  others,  as  several  of  his  friends  were  to  be 
present ;  some  from  the  immediate  neighbourhood. 

She  proposed  that,  in  the  evening,  all  the  assembled  guests 
should  be  invited  to  attend  the  family  reading  with  her  own 
household,  but  before  the  hour  arrived  for  the  performance 
of  a  duty,  which  was  to  her  exceedingly  weighty,  she  was 
summoned  to  visit  Eliza,  the  newly  married  wife  of  her 
cousin,  James  Sheppard,  who  was  rapidly  sinking  into  the 
grave.  The  afflicted  husband  and  sister  were  deeply  needing 
the  skilful  tenderness,  with  which  she  could  meet  such  exi- 
gencies. At  Meeting,  in  the  morning,  her  heart  had  been 
strengthened,  and  apparently  prepared,  for  the  duties  of  the 
day.  By  the  bed  of  languishing,  we  find  her,  waiting  for 
that  unction,  without  which  she  was  sensible  that  her  services 
could  avail  nothing ;  and  on  the  same  evening,  in  her  own 
dwelling,  when  surrounded  by  about  forty,  besides  her 
children,  she  speaks  in  exhortation  and  prayer.  Her  address 


192  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1812. 

was  closely  suited  to  the  state  of  some  persons  present,  and 
unflinchingly  did  she  impress  upon  them,  that  the  "  way  of 
transgressors  is  hard."  The  occasion  was  long  remembered 
by  individuals  who  were  there,  and  who  attributed  their 
permanent  improvement  to  the  solemn  truths  they  then 
heard  ;  and  for  the  first  time,  effectively  received  into  their 
hearts.  Her  own  journal  of  the  day,  written  the  following 
morning,  portrays  the  workings  of  her  mind. 

Plashet,  Ninth  Month,  Second  day. — Yesterday  was  rather 
a  remarkable  day.  I  rose  very  low  and  fearful :  my  spirit 
appeared  overwhelmed  within  me,  partly  I  think  from  some 
serious  outward  matters,  but  principally  from  such  an  extreme 
fear  of  my  approaching  confinement,  feeling  nothing  in  my- 
self to  meet  it,  and  knowing  that  it  must  come  unless  death 
prevent  it.  I  went  to  Meeting,  but  was  almost  too  low  to 
know  whether  I  should  go  or  not ;  however,  being  helped 
in  testimony  to  show  the  blessedness  of  those  who  hope  in 
the  Lord,  and  not  in  themselves,  appeared  to  do  me  good,  aa 
if  I  had  to  minister  to  myself,  as  well  as  to  others ;  I  had 
a  trust  that  my  help  was  in  the  Lord,  and  that  therefore  I 
should  experience  my  heart  to  be  strengthened.  A  message 
came  requesting  my  immediate  attendance  on  poor  dear  Eliza 
Sheppard,  who  appeared  near  her  end.  Of  course  I  went. 
These  visits  are  very  awful ;  to  sit  by  that,  which  we  believe 
to  be  a  death-bed ;  to  be  looked  to  by  the  afflicted,  and  others, 
as  a  minister  from  whom  something  is  expected,  and  the  fear, 
at  such  a  time,  of  the  activity  of  the  creature  arising,  and 
doing  that  which  it  has  no  business  to  do.  After  sitting  some 
time  quiet,  part  of  which  she  appeared  to  sleep,  and  part  to 
be  awake,  a  solemn  silence  covered  us,  the  words  of  suppli- 
cation arose  in  due  time ;  when  I  believed  her  to  be  engaged 
in  the  same  manner,  by  her  putting  her  hands  together  ;  I 
knelt  down,  and  felt  greatly  helped  ;  but  had  not  so  much  to 
pray  for  her  alone,  as  for  all  of  us,  there  present  with  her. 
I  had  a  few  words  also  to  say,  in  taking  leave ;  the  visit  ap- 


1812.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  193 

peared  sweet  to  her  by  her  smiles,  and  her  whispering  to  her 
sister,  expressing  this.  Thus  ended  this  solemn  scene,  her 
husband,  her  own  sister  and  brother,  and  dear  Elizabeth 
Gurney  were  present ;  dear  Eliza  Sheppard's  mind  appeared 
in  a  truly  calm,  resigned  state.  I  returned  home  in  rather 
more  than  an  hour,  when  the  prospect  of  the  evening  felt 
very  serious  to  me.  After  poor  John's  funeral,  I  wished 
the  servants,  and  those  who  attended  it  and  were  disposed 
to  do  so,  to  be  present  at  our  reading.  The  party  were  in 
all  about  forty,  many  young  people,  and  others.  We  first 
read  two  chapters  in  Matthew :  after  a  pause  I  knelt  down, 
and  had  to  supplicate,  first,  for  all  the  party ;  afterwards, 
for  our  own  household,  more  particularly  for  the  servants ; 
in  all  which  I  was  helped,  and  a  very  solemn  silence  fol- 
lowed. The  party  broke  up ;  I  think  I  found  myself 
strengthened,  rather  than  weakened,  by  the  day's  work, 
mentally  and  bodily,  though  my  own  great  weakness  soon 
returned  upon  me,  and  it  appeared  striking  that  such  an  one 
should  have  been  so  engaged ;  but  painful  as  these  ieelings 
of  depression  are  to  bear,  I  know  "  it  is  well,"  as  it  keeps 
me  humble,  at  least  I  hope  so,  lowly  and  abased.  Oh  !  saith 
my  soul,  after  thus  ministering  to  others,  may  I  not  become 
a  cast-away  myself,  and  neither  in  trouble,  nor  rejoicing, 
bring  discredit  on  the  cause  that  I  love,  or  on  His  name, 
whom  I  desire  to  serve. 

Plashct,  IQth. — A  hopeful,  and  I  trust  thankful  frame  of 
spirit.  May  the  praise  be  wholly  and  entirely  ascribed 
where  the  praise  is  due,  for  neither  in  myself,  nor  in  any 
outward  thing  or  person,  can  I  at  times  receive  consolation, 
unless  the  ^Divine  blessing  attend.  Enable  me,  0  Lord  ! 
to  rejoice  in  Thee,  and  to  give  Thee  thanks,  that  Thou  hast 
so  far  seen  meet  to  relieve  me  from  my  fearfulness,  arid 
the  captivity  I  have  been  in.  Oh  !  it  is  a  blessed  thing  to 
know  that  there  yet  lives  a  Saviour,  ready  to  help  our  in- 
firmities :  blessed  be  His  holy  name  for  ever.  In  Him  do 
I  trust,  not  in  myself ;  be  pleased,  0  Lord  !  to  confirm, 
25 


194  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1812. 

establish  and  strengthen  my  feeble  heart,  that  I  may  rightly 
and  fully  ascribe  glory,  honour,  and  power  to  the  Father, 
Son,  and  Holy  Spirit ;  yet  feeling  all  as  one,  and  but  as 
mighty  parts  of  the  same  eternal,  invisible,  and  invincible 
power.  Whatsoever  be  taken  from  me,  may  this  faith  live, 
grow,  and  increase  abundantly. 

Her  eighth  child  was  born  in  the  Ninth  Month,  1812. 
Writing  very  soon  afterwards  to  her  cousin,  Joseph  Gurney 
Bevan,  she  thus  records  her  thankfulness. 

Plashet,  Fourth  day. 
My  beloved  Cousin, 

I  am  safe,  and  I  have  a  sweet  little  girl.  What  can  I 
render  ?  My  heart  feels  this  morning  rather  overwhelmed 
within  me.  I  hope  not  without  love  to  the  great  Master ; 
but  how  sweetly  has  it  flowed  towards  many,  whom  I  believe 
to  be  more  or  less  His  followers.  I  have  particularly  felt  it 
towards  my  much-loved  Friends  in  Gracechurch-street 
Meeting.  My  spirit  has  felt  amongst  you  ;  I  hope  you  do 
not  forget  me,  for  I  do  not  forget  you ;  with  what  love  have 
you,  as  a  body,  been  brought  to  my  remembrance ;  many 
individually.  May  we  each  fill  our  respective  ranks,  none 
drawing  back,  but  stepping  forward  in  the  cause  of 
righteousness.  Though  I  have  been  long  out  of  sight,  yet 
I  trust  I  am  not  quite  out  of  the  minds  of  many,  but  I  desire 
the  prayers  of  the  church,  for  preservation,  and  more  full 
dedication  and  resignation,  in  all  things,  to  the  Divine  will. 
It  would  be  very  pleasant  to  see  thee,  or  any  of  those  whom 
I  feel  so  near  (though  so  unworthy  of  it,  yet  I  could  hope) 
in  the  covenant  of  life.  My  heart  has  also  been  so  filled 
with  love  towards  the  Friends  of  my  own  Quarterly  Meet- 
ing, that  I  could  have  written  them  a  letter  of  love. 

YltJi. — It  appears  due  for  me  to  acknowledge  the  tender 
mercies  and  loving-kindness  of  a  long-suffering  God,  in  my 
late  safe  deliverance,  thougli,  at  times,  tried  by  various  feel- 
ings of  weakness,  yet  I  have  been  permitted  to  find  the 


1813.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  195 

healing  virtue  near,  keeping  soul  and  body,  the  calming  in- 
fluence of  which  has,  at  times,  'been  very  sweet ;  at  others, 
my  heart  has  had  to  flow  with  love  towards  many.  No 
doubt  my  late  confinements  have  been  precious  seasons, 
wherein  the  love  of  the  Father  has  been  present  with  me ; 
though  occasionally  at  others,  brought  very  low,  and  tried 
by  bodily  and  mental  infirmities.  Enable  me,  0  Lord  !  to 
render  all  the  praise  to  Thee,  and  yet  to  trust  and  not  be 
afraid. 

Plashet,  Ninth  Month,  28th. — When  my  spirits  are  low,  I 
am  apt  to  feel  leaving  the  country,  which  is  proposed  for  the 
winter.  I  am  almost  surprised  at  myself,  the  tears  have  often 
risen  ;  very  few,  indeed  I  believe  none,  know  how  sweet  the 
quiet  and  the  beauties  of  the  country  have  been  to  me ;  it 
takes  hold  of  some  of  my  tender  feelings. 

Mildred's  Court,  Eleventh  Month,  2£th. — I  arrived  here 
last  evening  to  settle  for  the  winter,  after  a  very  encouraging 
Public  Meeting;  with  dear  William  Forster,  at  Plaistow,  which 
I  believe  did  me  good ;  I  felt  the  Power  near,  it  appeared  to 
cover  us  and  the  assembly,  though  I  passed  through  much  in 
the  Meeting,  so  as  to  shake  me  very  much ;  but  truth  ap- 
peared to  me  to  come  into  dominion,  which  was  cause  for 
humble  gratitude.  May  I  be  enabled  to  perform  my  duties, 
at  home  and  abroad. 

Mildred's  Court,  First  Month,  I2th,  1813. — At  last  I  have 
been  enabled  to  accomplish  my  desire,  in  having  the  greater 
part  of  our  family  here,  present  at  the  Scripture  reading  in 
the  morning :  it  has  been  to  me  a  very  humbling  thing,  and 
I  may  say  trying ;  the  difficulty,  reluctance,  and  lukewarm- 
ness  about  it,  that  appeared  to  exist,  so  that  I  was  obliged 
to  beg  my  beloved  husband  to  ask  it  for  me.  It  was  very  ex- 
ercising on  the  First-day  morning,  when  we  met;  but  through 
all,  unusual  peace  has  been  my  portion,  in  giving  up  to  it. 
It  has  been  entered  into  more  by  faith,  than  by  sight,  as  it 
appeared  so  very  discouraging  ;  others  not  uniting  in  what 
seems  to  mo  so  important  a  duty  :  but  I  have  a  secret  hope 


196  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1813. 

and  belief,  that  good  will  come  of  it,  if  the  Lord  will  be 
pleased  to  bless  and  strengthen  me  in  it.  Oh !  saith  my  soul, 
may  it  tend  to  our  sanctification  and  redemption.  Be  pleased, 

0  Lord !  so  to  bless  it,  that  it  become  not  a  dead  form,  but 
may  it  enliven  our  hearts  towards  Thee ;  and  enable  Thy 
poor  handmaid  to  be  a  faithful  minister  of  Thy  word  amongst 
them,  so  as  to  be  made  instrumental  in  drawing  some  nearer 
to  Thee.     I  am  thankful,  for  having  been  so  far  helped  on 
my  way,  and  for  a  little  peace  within,  when  discouragement 
was  without. 

Mildred's  Court,  Second  Month,  5th. — The  subject  of 
visiting  the  Monthly  Meetings,  has  been  very  present  with 
me.  Grant,  0  Lord !  I  beseech  Thee,  strength  and  ability 
to  do  Thy  will,  and  promote  Thy  cause  in  the  hearts  of 
others ;  I  know  I  am  little  and  weak,  yet  Thou  canst  cause 
one  to  chase  a  thousand,  and  two  to  put  ten  thousand  to  flight. 

1  feel  little  doubt  but  that  my  way  will  be  made  in  this  matter, 
and  that  this  concern  is  not  of  my  own  appointment.     Let 
me  commit  myself,  as  much  as  I  can,  into  better  hands,  there 
leaving  it,  seeking  in  all  things,  a  humble  mind  and  resigned 
will.     I  have  felt  and  still  feel,  if  the  armour  of  the  Lord  be 
put  on,  which  I  humbly  trust  it  will  be,  that  I  shall  be 
enabled  to  fight  valiantly.     Be  with  me,  0  Lord !  then  I  need 
not  fear,  what  any  man,  or  any  power  can  do  unto  me.     See, 
and  cleanse  me,  if  there  be  any  wicked  way  in  me,  and  lead 
me  in  the  way  everlasting :  make  this  visit  instrumental  of 
still  more  closely  uniting  me,  in  Gospel  love  and  fellowship 
to  all  scattered  here  about ;  yet  preserve  the  poor  creature 
from  ever  being  exalted,  or  taking  that  glory  that  is  not  its 
due. 

Mildred's  Court,  11/A. — I  feel  fresh  cause  for  thankfulness, 
in  being  helped  through  yesterday  at  our  Monthly  Meeting, 
in  mentioning  my  concern  to  Friends,  to  visit  the  Monthly 
Meetings,  &c.,  of  our  Quarterly  Meeting ;  I  was  unusually 
exercised  in  doing  it,  it  appeared  such  a  very  pressing  matter, 
as  if  I  must  do  it,  though  some  of  my  best  and  most  valued 


1813.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  197 

friends  advised  me  against  it,  thinking  that  I  might  safely  go 
without  any  minute,  which  I  did  not  feel  to  be  the  case,  as  I 
apprehended  the  concern  to  be  more  extensive  than  it  at  first 
appeared.  I  have  seldom  experienced  greater  relief  in  any 
thing.  I  could  hardly  help  rejoicing  yesterday,  with  the 
feelings  of  thankfulness,  that  the  thing  was  got  through  so 
much  to  my  satisfaction  and  comfort.  Oh,  how  I  loved  my 
friends,  I  even  felt  it  sweet  their  participating  with  me,  &g  I 
believe  they  did,  though  little  was  said,  in  what  I  have  felt 
so  awful  and  important,  yet,  enough  was  said  to  satisfy  me, 
and  even  in  one  instance,  in  stronger  terms  than  I  quite 
approved,  more  than  I  dared  myself  say  of  the  concern.  I 
felt  a  fear  yesterday,  and  also  feel  it  to-day,  of  taking  any- 
thing like  my  rest  in  this  sweet  feeling  that  has  attended  me, 
and  so  becoming  unwatchful,  not  devoted  and  circumspect 
enough.  I  believe  I  may  truly  say  my  desire  is,  that  this 
event  may  be  blessed  to  me,  and  be  instrumental  in  making 
me  better  in  all  things. 

Mildred's  Court,  Second  Month,  15th. — My  fear  for  my- 
self, the  last  few  days,  is,  lest  I  should  be  exalted  by  the 
evident  unity  of  my  dear  friends  whom  I  greatly  value ;  and 
also  my  natural  health  and  spirits  being  good ;  and  being 
engaged  in  some  laudable  pursuits,  more  particularly  seeing 
after  the  prisoners  in  Newgate.  Oh,  how  deeply,  how  very 
deeply,  I  fear  the  temptation  of  ever  being  exalted,  or  self- 
conceited.  I  cannot  preserve  myself  from  this  temptation, 
any  more  than  being  unduly  cast  down,  or  crushed  by  others. 
Be  pleased,  0  Lord  !  to  preserve  me  :  for  the  deep  inward 
prayer  of  my  heart  is,  that  I  may  ever  walk  humbly  before 
Thee :  and  also  before  all  mankind.  Let  me  never,  in  any 
way,  take  that  glory  to  myself  which  alone  belongs  unto 
Thee,  if,  in  Thy  mercy,  Thou  shouldst  ever  enable  one  so 
unworthy,  either  to  do  good,  or  to  communicate. 

16th. — Yesterday  we  were  some  hours  at  Newgate,  with 
the  poor  female  felons,  attending  to  their  outward  necessi- 
ties ;  we  had  been  twice  previously.  Hcfore  we  went  away, 


198  LIJFE   OF   ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1813. 

dear  Anna  Buxton  uttered  a  few  words  in  supplication,  and 
very  unexpectedly  to  myself,  I  did  also.  I  heard  weeping, 
and  I  thought  they  appeared  much  tendered  ;  a  very  solemn 
quiet  was  observed ;  it  was  a  striking  scene,  the  poor  people 
on  their  knees  around,  in  their  deplorable  condition. 

Thus  simply  and  incidentally,  is  recorded  Elizabeth  Fry's 
first  entrance  upon  the  scene  of  her  future  labours,  evidently 
without  any  idea  of  the  importance  of  its  ultimate  results. 

From  her  early  youth  her  spirit  had  often  been  attracted, 
in  painful  sympathy,  towards  those  who,  by  yielding  them- 
selves to  the  bondage  of  sin,  had  become  the  victims  of 
human  justice.  Before  she  was  fifteen  years  of  age,  the 
House  of  Correction  at  Norwich  excited  her  feelings  of  deep 
interest,  and  by  repeated  and  earnest  persuasion,  she  in- 
duced her  father  to  allow  her  to  visit  it.  She  referred, 
many  years  afterwards,  to  the  impressions  which  had  then 
been  received,  and  mentioned  to  a  dear  and  venerable  father 
in  the  truth  amongst  us,  that  it  had  laid  the  foundation  for 
her  engagement  in  prisons. 

In  the  First  Month  of  this  year,  four  members  of  the 
Society  of  Friends,  all  well  known  to  Elizabeth  Fry,  had 
visited  some  persons  in  Newgate,  who  were  about  to  be 
executed.  Although  no  mention  is  made  of  the  circum- 
stance in  the  journal,  it  has  always  been  understood  that 
the  representations  of  these  Friends,  particularly  those  of 
William  Forster  (one  of  the  number),  first  induced  her  per- 
sonally to  inspect  the  state  of  the  women,  with  the  view  of 
alleviating  their  sufferings,  occasioned  by  the  inclemency  of 
the  season. 

At  that  time,  all  the  female  prisoners  in  Newgate,  were 
confined  in  that  part,  now  known  as  the  untried  side.  The 
larger  portion  of  the  Quadrangle  was  then  used  as  a  state 
prison.  The  partition  wall  was  not  of  a  sufficient  height  to 
prevent  the  state  prisoners  from  overlooking  the  narrow  yard, 
and  the  windows  of  the  two  wards  and  two  cells,  of  which 


1813.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  199 

the  women's  division  consisted.  These  four  rooms  comprised 
about  one  hundred  and  ninety  superficial  yards,  into  which, 
at  the  time  of  these  visits,  nearly  three  hundred  women,  with 
their  numerous  children,  were  crowded :  tried  and  untried, 
misdemeanants  and  felons,  without  classification,  without 
employment,  and  with  no  other  superintendence  than  that 
given  by  a  man  and  his  son,  who  had  charge  of  them  by 
night  and  by  day.  In  the  same  rooms,  in  rags  and  dirt, 
destitute  of  sufficient  clothing  (for  which  there  was  no  pro- 
vision), sleeping  without  bedding,  on  the  floor,  the  boards  of 
which  were  in  part  raised  to  supply  a  sort  of  pillow,  they 
lived,  cooked  and  washed. 

With  the  proceeds  of  their  clamorous  begging,  when  any 
stranger  appeared  amongst  them,  the  prisoners  purchased 
liquors  from  a  regular  tap  in  the  prison.  Spirits  were 
openly  drunk  ;  and  the  ear  was  assailed  by  the  most  terrible 
language.  Beyond  that  which  was  necessary  for  safe  cus- 
tody, there  was  little  restraint  over  their  communication 
with  the  world  without. 

Although  military  sentinels  were  posted  on  the  leads  of 
the  prison,  such  was  the  lawlessness  prevailing,  that  even 
the  governor  entered  this  portion  of  it,  with  reluctancy. 
Fearful  that  their  watches  would  be  snatched  from  their 
sides,  he  advised  the  female  Friends,  (though  without  avail,) 
to  leave  them  in  his  house. 

Into  this  scene,  Elizabeth  Fry  entered,  accompanied  only 
by  Anna  Buxtou.  The  sorrowful  and  neglected  condition 
of  these  depraved  women  and  their  miserable  children, 
dwelling  in  such  a  vortex  of  corruption,  deeply  sank  into 
her  heart,  although  at  this  time,  nothing  more  was  done  than 
to  supply  the  most  destitute  with  clothes.  She  carried  back 
to  her  home,  and  into  the  midst  of  other  interests  and  avo- 
cations, a  lively  remembrance  of  all  that  she  had  witnessed 
in  Newgate ;  which,  within  four  years,  induced  that  syste- 
matic effort,  for  ameliorating  the  condition  of  these  poor 
outcasts,  so  signally  blessed  by  Him,  who  said,  u  That  joy 


200  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1813. 

shall  be  in  heaven  over  one  sinner  that  repenteth,  more  than 
over  ninety  and  nine  just  persons  who  need  no  repent- 
ance." 

When  we  contemplate  the  enormous  evils  existing  in  this 
receptacle  of  vice  and  wretchedness,  the  query  naturally 
suggests  itself,  how  could  an  enlightened  Christian  govern- 
ment, and  a  well  organized,  municipal  corporation,  like  that 
of  our  great  metropolis,  have  so  long  overlooked,  or  pas- 
sively tolerated,  a  system  so  fraught  with  misery  and  moral 
contamination  ?  The  problem  can  only  be  solved  by  recall- 
ing the  events  of  that  and  the  antecedent  period  .of  our  na- 
tional history,  when  public  attention  was  so  continually  ab- 
sorbed, by  the  vicissitudes  and  the  calamities  of  wide-spread 
warfare,  that  but  few  were  at  liberty,  and  yet  fewer  were 
inclined,  to  direct  their  attention  to  internal  improvements. 
The  great  work  of  Prison  Reform  was  commenced  when  a 
happier  era  was  dawning  on  Europe,  and  a  sentiment  was 
becoming  diffused,  that  breathed,  "Peace  on  earth,  and 
good-will  towards  men.'5 


1813—1818.  Letter  to  Edward  Edwards— Summer  at  Plashet— Ill- 
ness during  the  spring — Her  ninth  child  born,  1814 — Illness  and 
death  of  her  brother  John  Gurney — Letter  to  her  family — Death 
of  Joseph  Gurney  Bevan — Illness  of  her  babe — Journey  into  Nor- 
folk— Earlham,  party  assembled  there — Visit  to  Kingston  Monthly 
Meeting — Death  of  one  of  her  children — Extracts  from  letters — 
Attends  Dorsetshire  Quarterly  Meeting — Her  tenth  child  born,  1816 
— Leaves  her  four  elder  children  in  Norfolk — Letters  to  her  daugh- 
ters— Removal  to  London  for  the  Winter — Attends  the  funeral  of 
her  cousin  Joseph  Gurney,  Jun. — Places  her  two  elder  sons  at  School 
— Letter  to  her  sister — General  state  of  Prisons — School  in  New- 
gate— Case  of  Elizabeth  Fricker — Newgate  Association — Descrip- 
tion from  Buxton — Sophia  de  C 's  Journal — Vote  of  thanks  from 

the  City — Letters  from  Robert  Barclay,  &c. — Notice  in  newspapers 
— Marriage  of  her  brother,  Joseph  John  Gurney — Extracts  from 
Letters — Examinations  before  House  of  Commons — Capital  Pun- 
ishments— Case  of  Skelton — Duke  of  Gloucester  and  Lord  Sidmouth 
— Queen  Charlotte's  Visit  to  the  Mansion  House — Letter  to  Countesa 
Harcourt 

NOT  only  did  a  considerable  space  of  time  elapse,  after 
Elizabeth  Fry's  first  visits  to  Newgate,  before  she  renewed 
them,  but,  in  the  interim,  many  events  occurred  of  deep 
import  to  herself.  He  "  who  sits  as  a  Refiner  and  Purifier  of 
silver,"  saw  meet  to  exercise  her  in  the  school  of  affliction, 
before  raising  her  up  for  the  remarkable  work  which  she  had 
to  perform.  Long  and  distressing  indisposition  ;  the  death 
of  her  brother  John  Gurney,  that  of  her  paternal  friend 
Joseph  Gurney  Bevan ;  the  loss  of  a  most  tenderly  beloved 
child  ;  considerable  decrease  of  property ;  separation,  for 
a  time,  from  all  her  elder  children,  were  among  the  means 
used  by  Him,  who  cannot  err,  more  entirely  to  prepare  her 
for  His  service. 

26  (201) 


202  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1813. 

Mildred's  Court,  Second  Month,  19^. — I  feel  very  un- 
worthy this  morning,  though  the  day  appeared  to  begin  well, 
in  a  few  words  of  solemn  supplication.  After  reading, 
yesterday,  I  think  I  was  too  much  off  my  watch,  and  did  not 
keep  that  bridle  over  my  tongue,  which  is  so  important ;  too 
much  disposed  to  bow  the  knee  of  my  soul  to  mortals,  rather 
than  to  the  living  God  alone.  In  consequence,  I  felt  this 
morning  at  reading,  unwilling  to  take  up  the  cross.  In  how 
very  many  ways  is  my  soul  beset !  no  mortals  know,  or  I 
believe,  even  suspect,  how  much  so ;  at  times  my  hands  ap- 
pear ready  to  hang  or  fall  down.  Alas  !  may  it  not  be  so. 

To  EDWARD  EDWARDS. 

Mildred's  Court,  Third  Month,2nd,  1813. 
My  dear  Friend, 

I  have  been  questioning  whether  to  write  to  my  dear  sister 
Blchenda  or  thyself,  for  my  heart  is  full  towards  you  ;  but  as 
I  had  thought  of  writing  to  thee  before,  I  think  thou  hast 
the  first  claim.  Words  fall  short  of  expression  when  the 
heart  is  very  full ;  this  is  my  case  at  present.  I  feel  you  all 
very  near  and  dear  to  me,  and  there  are  times  when  I  cannot 
help  longing  to  have  all  differences  and  distinctions  done 
away,  that  we  may  have  one  heart  and  be  of  one  mind  ;  this 
was  brought  home  to  me  by  the  desire  I  have  for  your  sym- 
pathy and  prayers  in  my  stoppings  along,  that  you  may  be 
able,  as  it  were,  to  go  with  me  heart  and  hand ;  I  feel  this 
because  you  are  so  near  to  me  (I  trust)  in  the  covenant  of 
love  and  life,  but  amidst  these  cogitations,  a  sweet  thought 
has  arisen,  that  although,  in  time,  we  may  not  experience  all 
walls  of  separation  to  be  broken  down,  yet  we  may  look 
forward  to  a  blessed  eternity,  where  with  one  accord  and 
one  heart,  we  may  join  the  heavenly  host,  in  ascribing  glory 
and  honour,  wisdom  and  power,  unto  our  God,  and  the  Lamb 
for  ever. 

Even  here  the  sweet  love  and  unity  of  which  we  at  times 
are  permitted  to  partake,  appears  like  a  foretaste  of  that 


1813.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  203 

which  is  to  be  enjoyed.  If  any  of  you  should  feel  disposed 
to  write  me  a  few  lines,  I  hope  you  will  do  so ;  and  if  any 
hint  or  caution  arises,  I  beg  you  will  freely  give  it ;  for  it  is 
Kell  to  watch  over  one  another  for  good.  The  sense  of  my 
own  weakness,  infirmity,  and  utter  insufficiency  to  promote 
the  glorious  cause,  also  a  natural  flinching  from  such  an 
exposure,  and  so  far  taking  up  the  cross,  at  times  make  my 
heart  feel  sick,  and  my  spirit  ready  to  faint  within  me  ;  then 
again  arises  for  my  help  and  consolation,  a  faith  in  Him  who 
gives  power  to  the  faint,  and  to  him  who  has  no  might 
increases  strength ;  indeed  my  confidence  is  not  in  myself, 
but  in  the  power  of  a  Saviour  and  Redeemer.  My  desire  is, 
through  the  ability  given,  or  grace  afforded,  that  I  may  attend 
to  the  blessed  injunction  of  "  Continue  ye  in  my  love.  If  ye 
keep  my  commandments,  ye  shall  abide  in  my  love,  even  as 
I  have  kept  my  Father's  commandments  and  abide  in  His 
love."  May  it  be  under  the  constraining  influence  of  this 
love,  that  I  ever  dare  to  advocate  His  cause,  and  may  I  be 
preserved  from  my  own  willings  and  runnings.  I  find,  my 
dear  friend,  thou  hast  lately  been  afflicted  and  tried  :  unto 
such  how  many  precious  promises  are  offered,  yet  there  are 
times  when  the  heart  feels  unable  to  receive  them,  and  we  can 
hardly  believe  ourselves  of  the  number  to  whom  they  apply. 
Is  this  ever  thy  case?  perhaps  we  can  sympathize  in  the  feel- 
ing of,  at  times,  walking  in  darkness,  and  having  no  light; 
may  we  then  "trust  in  the  Lord,  and  stay  ourselves  upon 
our  God."  My  dear  love  to  thy  wife,  dear  Richenda,  and 

my  brother,  D G ,  and  remember  me  affectionately 

to  our  friends,  the  Hankinsons.  Believe  me  thy  affection- 
ately interested  friend, 

ELIZABETH  FRY. 

Mildred's  Court,  Third  Month,  22nd. — Began  tho  day 
poorly,  by  not  doing  what  came  to  hand  at  our  family  read- 
ing ;  and  now,  I  am  going  to  set  out  to  visit  the  sick  and 
sorrowful  belonging  to  Westminster  Meeting.  0  Lord ! 


204  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1813. 

have  mercy  on  me,  and  pardon  my  transgressions,  and  enable 
Thy  poor  unworthy  one  to  speak  a  word  in  season  to  the 
afflicted  and  tried.  Thou  only  knowest  my  heart  and  its 
many  fears ;  preserve  me  from  evil,  and  keep  the  gift  pure, 
I  beseech  Thee,  and  unalloyed  by  the  dross  of  my  nature,  as 
I  fear  for  it,  lest  being  so  very  often  called  forth,  I  should 
ever  stir  in  my  own  strength ;  help  Thy  poor,  dependent 
child,  0  Lord  !  I  pray  Thee  have  mercy  on  me,  be  with  me 
in  the  way  that  I  should  go,  preserve  me  from  undue  fear  of 
man,  yet  keep  me  open  to  caution,  reproof,  or  advice  of 
those  further  advanced ;  keep  me  humble,  lowly  and  obe- 
dient, walking  in  Thy  fear,  and  in  Thy  love.  Amen. 
Enable  me  to  walk  before  Thee  this  day,  with  a  watchful, 
circumspect,  and  faithful  heart.  Thou  hast  blessed,  be  yet 
pleased  to  bless ! 

Plashet,  Fourth  Month,  8th. — Yesterday  I  gave  up  my 
minute.  I  was  helped  to  acknowledge  how  it  had  been  with 
me,  that  way  had  been  made  for  me  inwardly  and  outwardly, 
to  accomplish  that  which  I  had  in  view ;  and  although  I 
before  had  deep  humiliation  to  pass  through,  and  had  to  bear 
the  cross  greatly  in  some  things,  also  to  feel  much  abased, 
under  a  sense  of  my  own  infirmity  and  unworthiness,  yet  that 
I  had  experienced  a  power,  better  than  myself,  helping  me  ; 
even  that  which  I  believed  to  be  the  power  of  an  endless  life, 
strengthening  me  to  do  things  which  I  could  not  of  myself 
have  done ;  I  had  learned  afresh  that,  to  the  creature,  no- 
thing belongeth  but  confusion  of  face,  but  to  the  Holy  Helper, 
who  alone  is  worthy, — glory,  honour,  power,  thanksgiving, 
and  praise.  Sweet  quietness  and  peace,  was  felt  after  this 
acknowledgment  to  the  women  and  men.  I  also  expressed 
my  desire,  that  whenever  weakness  or  infirmity  had  shown 
itself,  it  might  be  laid  to  the  creature,  but  whenever  good, 
however  small,  had  appeared,  that  it  might  by  myself  and 
others  be  attributed  to  the  Creator. 

Plashet,  28th, — Dear  Edward  Edwards  and  his  wife  are 
staying  here,  which  has  been  pleasant  to  me. 


1813.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  205 

Fifth  Month,  1st. — So  one  month  passes  away,  and  another 
comes.  A  sweetness  and  power  enlivens  my  heart  this  morn- 
ing. I  pray  Thee,  0  Lord !  Thou  who  hast  hitherto  helped 
me,  be  with  me  this  day,  preserve  me  humble  and  lowly  in 
spirit,  enable  me  to  do  Thy  will ;  if  Thou  grantest  ability  to 
Thy  poor  handmaid  to  speak  in  Thy  name,  enable  her,  and 
all,  to  give  wholly  unto  Thee  the  glory  and  honor  of  Thy 
own  work.  We  had  a  very  striking  time  yesterday  even- 
ing, before  our  dear  friends  Edward  and  Anne  Edwards  left 
us,  when  sitting  with  them,  my  sister  Priscilla,  and  some 
others.  Dear  Edward  Edwards  knelt  down,  and  to  my 
feelings,  expressed  himself  in  a  very  lively  manner ;  others 
were  led  to  speak,  both  in  testimony  and  supplication ;  af- 
terwards, I  had  to  pour  forth  a  little  of  my  soul ;  there  ap- 
peared to  flow  a  current  of  life  and  love,  as  if  we  were  own- 
ed by  the  Most  High ;  I  felt  my  own  like  a  song  of  praise. 

Sixth  Month. — I  am  likely  to  attend  dear  Mary  Dudley, 
to  the  families  of  this  Monthly  Meeting,  which  appears  a 
suitable  opening  for  me,  and  one  which  seems  lively  and  de- 
sirable to  my  spiritual  sight. 

Plashet,  24M. — Enabled  publicly,  after  reading,  to  cast 
my  case  upon  my  Holy  Helper,  and  I  have  since  found 
much  comfort  and  relief  to  my  before  tried  mind,  so  as  to 
know  a  degree  of  that  precious  feeling  of  my  peace  flowing 
as  a  river,  and  being  in  measure  enabled  to  do  that  which  I 
have  to  do,  as  unto  the  Lord. 

Plathet,  Tenth  Month,  15th. — My  original  intention  in 
writing  this  journal,  has  been  simply  and  purely  the  good  of 
my  own  soul ;  but,  if,  after  my  death,  those  who  survive 
should  believe  that  any  part  of  it  would  conduce  to  strength- 
en others  in  the  faith,  and  to  encourage  them  in  righteous- 
ness, by  manifesting  the  loving-kindness  of  the  Almighty  to 
His  unworthy  child,  or  to  the  comfort  of  any  mourner  in 
Zion,  I  am  willing  that  it  should  be  exposed,  even  if  my 
weaknesses  are  acknowledged ;  so  long  as  they  lead  to  the 
love  of  Him,  who  has,  in  tender  mercy,  manifested  Himself 


206  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FKY.  [1813. 

to  be  strength  in  my  weakness,  and  a  present  Helper  in  every 
needful  time. 

Eleventh  Month,  12/A. — I  am  likely  to  set  off  early  to- 
morrow without  my  husband,  to  go  into  Norfolk ;  this  pros- 
pect I  feel  pleasant  and  painful ;  pleasant,  the  idea  of  being 
at  Earlham ;  painful,  leaving  home,  and  more  particularly 
my  husband.  May  I  be  enabled  there  faithfully  to  do  my 
duty,  in  whatever  way  I  may  be  led,  in  Meeting,  or  out 
of  Meeting ;  may  the  time  spent  there  be  to  our  mutual 
comfort  and  edification,  and  may  those  left  be  cared  for  and 
preserved,  soul  and  body,  by  Him  who  careth  for  us  ;  this  I 
humbly  trust  will  be  the  case.  Amen. 

Plashetj  25th. — I  returned  safely  home  to  my  beloved 
family,  on  Secpnd-day  evening,  the  22nd,  I  trust  I  may  say, 
in  thankfulness  of  heart,  finding  all  well,  and  going  on  alto- 
gether very  comfortably.  I  returned  by  Ipswich,  accompa- 
nied by  my  sister  Priscilla  and  my  brother  Joseph,  and  spent 
all  First-day  there ;  but  I  was  unusually  low,  almost  dis- 
tressed, on  account  of  little  Betsy,  as  I  heard  she  was  un- 
well, and  knew  not  the  extent  of  it ;  so  that  my  natural 
impatience  to  get  home  was  great ;  but  I  felt  kept  there, 
and  as  if  I  could  not  go  away,  and  thus  deeply  tried  in  my- 
self, was  greatly  helped  from  one  service  to  another,  during 
the  day,  being  variously  and  often  engaged.  It  was  a  day 
of  natural  tribulation  as  far  as  fears  went ;  and  may  I  not 
say  almost  of  spiritual  abounding  ?  So  it  is  !  and  so  I 
often  have  found  it,  that  I  have  to  be  brought  as  to  the  dust 
of  the  earth,  before  I  am  greatly  helped.  Out  of  the 
depths,  we  are  raised  to  the  heights.  Dear  Priscilla,  before 
we  parted,  prayed  for  my  safe  and  speedy  return  home,  which 
prayer  has  been  remarkably  granted.  Third-day,  my  beloved 
husband,  with  our  children,  attended  the  Monthly  Meeting, 
where  our  certificate  was  received. 

This  was  from  Gracechurch-street  Meeting  to  that  of 
Plaistow ;  their  removal  to  Plashet  having  brought  them 
within  the  compass  of  the  latter. 


1814.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  207 

I  should  say,  the  day  was  begun  by  returning  thanks  in 
my  own  family,  amongst  my  children,  husband,  and  ser- 
vants, to  my  peace  ;  the  rest  of  the  day  passed  in  much  do- 
mestic comfort  with  my  husband  at  home.  This  was  one  of 
the  very  bright  days  of  life ;  blessings  are  abundantly 
granted,  and  sometimes  even  a  blessing  upon  the  blessings, 
that  makes  all  feel  sweet  and  lovely  ! 

Plashet,  Twelfth  Month,  13M. — I  do  think,  at  times,  that 
it  is  by  far  my  first  desire,  to  be  brought  into  conformity  to 
the  Divine  will,  but  at  other  times,  I  am  ready  to  fear  that  I 
deceive  myself;  but  I  am  thankful  in  believing  that  the  secret 
intents  and  purposes  of  my  heart  are  known,  though  at  the 
same  time  I  am  sensible  that  there  is  much  infirmity,  and 
evil  propensity  which  must  also  be  known ;  yet  even  of  that 
I  am  glad,  for  it  is  well  the  physician  should  know  the  extent 
of  the  malady,  as  he  alone  can  rightly  apply  the  remedy. 
Thou  knowest  me,  0  Lord !  much  better  than  I  know  my- 
self; Thou  knowest  the  intents  and  purposes  of  my  heart ; 
bring  that  under,  which,  in  any  way,  opposes  itself  to  Thy 
will  being  done  in  me,  by  me  and  through  me ;  be  with  me 
unto  the  end,  0  Lord  !  I  pray  Thee,  and,  in  Thine  own  time, 
subdue  all  that  rebels  against  Thee ;  do  for  me  that  which  I 
cannot  do  for  myself ;  even  carry  on  Thine  own  work  in  me, 
to  Thy  own  praise ;  make  me  willing  at  all  times,  to  speak 
in  Thy  name,  when  it  is  according  to  thy  will;  yet  more 
and  more  manifest  Thine  own  power,  in  Thy  poor  unworthy 
child. 

First  Month,  24th,  1814. — I  feel  affected  by  the  distresses 
of  the  poor,  owing  to  the  very  sharp  weather ;  and  hardly 
know  how  to  serve  them,  but  I  mean  to  go  after  them,  and 
desire  a  blessing  may  attend  my  small  efforts  to  relieve  them, 
for  it  appears  very  little  we  can  do,  so  as  thoroughly  to 
assist  them  ;  but  I  trust  a  better  than  ourselves  is  near  to 
help  and  support  them  under  their  many  trials. 

Plathet,  Second  Month,  4th. — I  am  low,  under  a  sense  of 
my  own  infirmities,  and  also  rather  grieved  by  the  poor.  I 


208  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1814. 

endeavoured  to  serve  them,  and  have  given  them  such  broth 
and  dumplings  as  we  should  eat  ourselves ;  I  find  great  fault 
has  been  found  with  them,  and  one  woman  seen  to  throw 
them  to  the  pigs :  however,  I  truly  desire  to  act  in  this  with 
a  Christian  spirit,  still  persevering  to  do  my  utmost  for  them, 
and  patiently  bear  their  reproach,  which  may  be  better  for 
me  than  their  praises. 

Third  Month,  2Qth. — The  craving  of  my  soul  for  preser- 
vation is  almost  past  expression :  feeling  as  I  am  permitted 
to  do  at  times,  the  goodness  of  the  Lord,  how  fervent  is  my 
desire,  how  inexpressible  my  prayer,  that  I  may  ever  be  His, 
in  and  through  all  things ;  that  I  inay  dwell  nearer  in  spirit 
to  my  Redeemer,  that  increased  humility,  watchfulness, 
patience  and  forbearance,  may  be  my  portion ;  that  I  may 
not  only  be  saved  myself,  but  that  I  may  not  stand  in  the 
way  of  others'  salvation,  more  particularly  in  that  of  my  own 
household  and  family;  that  I  may,  if  consistent  with  the 
Divine  will,  be  made  instrumental  in  saving  others.  Now, 
in  the  time  of  my  retirement  from  the  world,  from  being 
unwell,  my  soul  craves  in  deep  prostration,  preservation  from 
Thee,  0  God  !  There  are  seasons  of  deep  prostration,  when 
my  soul  is  overwhelmed  within  me,  under  the  feeling  of  Thy 
goodness,  Thy  power,  and  in  love  towards  Thyself,  Thy  ever 
blessed  cause,  and  those  that  fear  Thy  name.  This  morn- 
ing my  heart  commends  numbers,  who  are  assembled  for 
the  solemn  purpose  of  worshipping  Thee,  to  Thy  grace  and 
good  keeping  ;  animate  them  by  Thy  love,  keep  them  'in  Thy 
fear ;  yet  be  with,  and  keep  Thy  poor,  unworthy  handmaid  ; 
be  it  unto  her  according  to  Thy  will,  or  Thy  word  :  yet,  in 
Thy  abundant  mercy,  permit  her  soul  to  magnify  Thee,  0 
Lord !  and  her  spirit  to  rejoice  in  God  her  Saviour,  which 
she  has  been  permitted  to  do  of  late,  even  in  seasons  of 
deep  humiliation,  or  when  coming  out  of  the  depths. 

25th. — May  I  spiritually  and  temporally  this  day  be  en-- 
abled  to  give  myself  up  to  my  Master,  not  looking  upon  my- 
self as  my  own,  or  feeling  anxious  as  to  what  I  suffer,  or  "^ly 


1814.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FBY.  209 

suffer,  but  rather  resigning  myself  unto  Him  who  knows  what 
is  best  for  me :  but  this  is  not  in  my  own  power.  Keep  me, 
0  Lord  !  near  unto  Thyself,  and  Thy  own  preserving  power, 
and  kt  me  not  wander  from  Thee,  either  in  word,  deed,  or 
desire,  or  be  over  anxious  as  to  what  may  await  me,  but 
strengthen  me,  if  consistent  with  Thy  will,  to  trust  in  Thy 
mercy  towards  one  so  poor,  so  weak,  and  so  frail. 

Fourth  Month,  30th. — In  great  weakness  and  infirmity. 
Gracious  and  Almighty  Father,  permit  Thy  poor  child  to 
come  unto  Thee,  her  God  and  Saviour,  that,  if  consistent 
with  Thy  holy  will,  she  may  once  more  be  healed  and  revived, 
through  thy  Almighty,  saving  power  ;  give  her  not  over  to 
the  will  of  her  soul's  enemies,  and  permit  not  temptation  or 
weakness  to  overcome  her,  but  in  Thine  own  unspeakable 
and  unmerited  mercy,  be  Thou  yet  unto  her,  her  Lord  and 
her  God,  her  Saviour  and  her  Redeemer,  her  present  help  in 
trouble,  and  her  only  hope  of  glory.  Amen. 

Plashet.  Fifth  Month,  24lh.—  My  soul  followeth  hard  after 
Thee,  O  Lord  !  enable  Thy  poor  child  to  follow  after  Thee, 
preserve  her  from  letting  in  want  of  faith,  mistrust,  or  fear, 
but  enable  her  to  cleave  very  close  unto  Thee,  and  through 
all  her  trials,  that  nothing  may,  in  any  degree,  separate  her 
from  Thy  love. 

Plashet,  Sixth  Month,  IBth. — Though  clouds  may  be  per- 
mitted to  overshadow  me,  before  the  real  trial  comes,  yet  I 
cannot  but  have  a  hope  that  help  will  marvellously  be  ex- 
tended in  the  needful  time.  Help,  dearest  Lord,  or  I  perish; 
permit  me  neither  to  let  go  my  hold  in  times  of  trial,  nor 
deny  Thee  in  thought,  word,  or  deed  ;  but  acknowledge  Thy 
goodness  to  thy  very  greatly  favored,  but  unworthy  child. 
These  words  arise  ;  "  be  still,  and  thou  shalt  see  the  salva- 
tion of  God."  Be  it  so,  saith  my  soul. 

The  birth  of  her  ninth  child  took  place  on  the  14th  of 
Sixth  Month. 
27 


210  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1814. 

Plashet,  20/A. — As  I  lay  this  morning,  these  words  oc- 
curred to  me,  Lackest  thou  anything  ?  The  answer  of  my 
heart  was,  Nothing,  Lord !  Thy  mercies  abundantly  over- 
flow ;  only  enable  me  and  mine  to  keep  a  still  closer  cov- 
enant with  Thee,  and  to  remember  Thy  commandments  to 
do  them ;  and  may  my  soul  ever  make  her  boast  in  Thee, 
her  God  and  Saviour  ;  and  never,  no  never,  take  that  to  her- 
self, that  in  no  degree  belongs  to  her.  Under  a  fear  of  too 
freely  approaching  Thy  sacred  footstool  in  word,  as  Thou, 
Lord,  knowest  my  heart,  and  its  secret  purposes,  do  that 
for  me  that  I  cannot  do  for  myself ;  and  may  I,  day  by  day, 
yet  experience  Thy  grace  to  be  sufficient  for  me,  whether  in 
mourning,  or  in  rejoicing. 

21  st. — My  soul  cannot  help  feeling  greatly  bowed  in 
gratitude  for  the  many  and  great  benefits  received ;  thanks- 
giving is  the  voice  of  my  heart,  though  something  of  anxiety 
and  disquietude  has  been  my  portion,  more  particularly  on 
account  of  my  beloved  husband  and  children.  I  also  desire 
to  settle  my  household  aright,  to  walk  before  them  with  an 
upright,  humble,  and  perfect  heart,  fulfilling  the  Law  and 
the  Gospel.  I  desire  to  be  scrupulously  nice  as  to  my  con- 
duct towards  servants.  I  thought,  if  not  saying  too  much 
for  myself,  that  I  have  wept,  as  between  the  porch  and  the 
altar,  on  their  account,  and  on  that  of  my  beloved  family 
altogether ;  I  feel  it  cause  for  much  thanksgiving,  so  far 
to  be  restored  to  them  again,  but  my  natural  spirits,  at 
times,  are  overcome.  Grant  wisdom  and  grace,  0  Lord  !  I 
pray  Thee,  to  Thy  poor  child,  to  order  her  steps  aright  be- 
fore them  all,  being  wise  as  the  serpent  and  harmless  as  the 
dove. 

Elizabeth  Fry  was,  at  this  time,  tenderly  affected  by  the 
critical  illness  of  her  beloved  friend  and  relative,  Joseph 
Gurney  Bevan. 

And,  as  soon  as  her  health  was  sufficiently  restored  to 
admit  of  it,  she  took  a  journey  to  Earlham,  to  see  her  brother 
John.  Gurney,  who  was  then  rapidly  declining. 


1814.]  LIFE    OF    EL     ZAB^TH     ?RY.  211 

Plashet,  Eighth  Month,  1.5th.  —Once  more  arrived  at  my 
sweet  home,  and  truly  thankful  ih  having  finished  my  visit 
to  my  much-beloved  brothers  and  sisters  with  satisfaction.  I 
feel  most  tenderly  for  all,  and  I  humbly  trust,  all  are  press- 
ing Zion- ward,  though  I  cannot  say  that  I  fully  understand, 
or  enter  into,  the  activity  of  the  creature  appearing  to  show 
itself  so  much  in  things  belonging  to  the  soul's  salvation : 
but  this  I  know,  inasmuch  as  it  is  of  God,  it  will  stand ;  but 
inasmuch  as  it  is  of  man,  it  will  fall.  It  is  not  for  a  poor 
unworthy  fellow-mortal,  like  myself,  to  say  what  is  of  God, 
and  what  is  not ;  though  I  may  apprehend  that  there  is  a 
mixture,  not  only  in  them,  but  in  myself,  and  in  us  as  a  body ; 
though  our  belief  and  profession  is,  that  nothing  short  of  the 
Holy  Spirit  can  really  help  forward  the  cause  of  righteous- 
ness on  the  earth,  whether  it  be  immediately,  or  instru- 
mentally ;  and  that  we  can  only  do  good  when  influenced 
by  this  Spirit,  and  therefore  desire  to  wait  for  its  stirrings. 
I  parted  from  my  beloved  sister  Rachel,  who  has,  for  months 
past,  been  to  me  a  tenderly  beloved  friend,  a  most  watchful 
and  valuable  nurse,  and  a  L  J3t  loving  sister  ;  I  felt  parting 
from  her  a  good  deal. 

Plasliet,  29*A. — My  heart  has  been  much  affected  by  the 
accounts  of  my  beloved  brother,  who  appears  sinking  into 
the  grave,  step  by  step  ;  but  his  soul  most  mercifully  cared 
for,  and  also  his  body  greatly  shielded  from. suffering. 

Earlham,  Ninth  Month,  9th. — I  trust  I  Jiave  been  enabled 
to  do  what  I  ought,  in  this  matter  ;  after  writing  the  above, 
a  letter  arrived,  that  quite  confirmed  me  in  the  propriety  of 
making  ready  to  set  off  early  on  the  Third-day  morning,  but 
I  could  not  feel  easy  to  do  it  till  that  time.  I  felt  bound  in 
spirit  to  offer  up  my  family  to  the  care  of  a  protecting  Provi- 
dence publicly,  after  our  reading  in  the  morning,  before  I  set 
off,  which  I  was  enabled  to  do  ;  and  also  to  pray  for  my 
beloved  brother,  that  in  passing  through  the  valley  of  the 
shadow  of  death,  he  might  fear  no  evil ;  (this  prayer  appeared 
fully  answered).  I  left  home,  after  this,  with  a  peculiarly 


212  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1814. 

happy,  may  I  not  say  cheerful  mind  ?  I  mean  free  from  bur- 
den. I  have  seldom  had  a  more  comfortable  journey  ;  in  small 
things  as  well  as  great,  I  saw  the  kind  hand  of  Providence. 

On  the  day  after  her  arrival  at  Earlham,  the  spirit  of  her 
beloved  brother  was  released  from  the  bonds  of  mortality,  of 
which  she  thus  writes  to  her  family. 

Earlham,  Ninth  Month,  Sth,  1814. 
(by  the  remains  of  my  beloved  brother.) 

My  much  loved  Husband  and  Children, 

Believing  you  will  feel  with  me,  in  what  so  nearly  concerns 
me,  and  not  only  me,  but  you  also,  I  sit  down  to  tell  you,  as 
nearly  as  I  can,  what  has  happened  since  I  came  here.  I 
believe  you  know  that  I  arrived  about  four  o'clock  yesterday 
morning.  I  was  then  led  into  the  room  where  my  tenderly 
beloved  brother  lay  in  bed  ;  he  was  awake,  but  some  feared 
he  would  not  know  me,  instead  of  which,  upon  seeing  me, 
his  words  were,  "My  dear  sister,  come  and  kiss  me  ;"  then 
he  expressed  his  great  pleasure  at  our  being  together — he 
looked  very  sweet,  quite  easy,  may  I  not  say,  like  one  re- 
deemed. After  staying  some  time  by  him,  I  went  to  bed ; 
but  I  did  not  rest  much,  feeling  low,  burdened,  and  rather 
poorly.  My  dear  sister  Priscilla  came  to  me  a  little  past 
nin-  o'clock,  and  advised  me  to  come,  he  was  so  very  bright, 
his  powers  of  mind  appearing  much  clearer  than  any  dying 
man  I  ever  witnessed,  except  our  poor  servant  John.  Upon 
going  into  his  room  he  kissed  us  each  again,  and  again  said, 
he  wished  for  all  his  sisters  together,  appearing  clearly  to 
recollect  each,  for  upon  one  saying,  "  Now  there  is  no  excep- 
tion, all  the  sisters  are  with  thee,"  he  at  first  misunderstood, 
and  said,  "  Did  you  say  there  is  one  exception,  for  there  is 
not,"  or  to  that  effect :  he  said  it  was  delightful,  how  we  loved 
one  another.  It  appeared  my  place  to  return  thanks  for 
such  unspeakable  blessings.  He  then  said,  "  What  a  sweet 
rrayer  !"  and  afterwards,  "  I  never  passed  so  happy  a  morn- 


1814.J  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  213 

ing ;  how  delightful  being  together,  and  loving  one  another, 
as  we  do."  As  the  day  further  advanced,  he  said,  "What 
a  beautiful  day  this  has  been  !"  My  dear  uncle  and  aunt 
Joseph,  came  a  little  before  dinner  :  Charles  Brereton,  Wil- 
liam Wilkinson  and  his  wife,  Hannah  Scarnel,  nurse  Norman, 
and  his  own  man,  were  our  companions.  Dr.  Alderson  called 
in  the  morning,  and  D.  Dalrymple,  each  much  affected,  he 
expressed  himself  so  kindly  to  them  ;  he  desired  his  love  to 
Amelia  Opie  ;  he  enjoyed  our  dear  sister  Richenda,  singing 
hymns  to  him  ;  he  took  leave  of  most  of  the  old  servants  ;  to 
one  whom  he  used  not  much  to  like,  he  spoke  the  most  kindly, 
said  he  was  glad  to  see  him,  and  shook  him  warmly  by  the 
hand,  and  bade  him  "  farewell ;"  he  appeared  deeply  im- 
pressed with  his  many  blessings,  and  the  mercy  shown  him. 
About  half  an  hour  after  it  was  over,  we  had  once  more  to 
approach  the  sacred  footstool  (for  ability)  to  bless  the  Sacred 
Name,  b6th  for  His  giving  and  taking  away.  Thus  closed 
such  a  day  as  I  never  passed ;  may  we  not  say,  "  Blessed 
are  the  dead  that  die  in  the  Lord  ?"  Oh,  my  belbved 
children  and  husband,  may  we  not  only  feel,  but  profit  by 

this  striking  event 

Earlham,  Ninth  Month,  13M. — My  heart  feels  very  full ; 
my  body  I  believe  has  trembled,  ever  since  I  rose,  to  meet 
the  party  now  assembled,  and  likely  to  assemble  here.  My 
own  corrupt  dispositions,  I  found  showed  themselves  to  my- 
self yesterday,  which  I  believe  tended  to  lay  me  very  low ; 
may  I  not  say,  the  feeling  of  my  heart  is,  that  I  am  lying 
prostrate  in  the  dust  ?  I  have  been  greatly  tendered  in 
spirit  with  love  to  those  here,  whom  I  believe  to  love  the 
Lord;  united  to  them  in  a  manner  inexpressible,  in  my 
inmost  heart — all  barriers  being  broken  down.  Yet  I  feel 
it  needful  to  be  very  watchful,  very  careful ;  to  be  faithful 
to  the  testimony  that  I  apprehend  myself  called  upon  to 
bear,  not  only  for  my  own  sake,  but  also  for  the  sake  of  tho 
younger  ones  about  me  ;  Lord,  be  pleased  to  help  me,  to 
guide  me,  to  counsel  me,  that  from  ray  own  will  and  preju- 


214  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1814. 

dice,  I  'wound  not  a  beloved  brother  or  sister  in  Christ,  but 
so  keep  me  in  Thy  fear,  in  Thy  love,  and  under  a  sense  of 
Thy  presence ;  that  I  act  in  these  most  awful  and  important 
duties,  according  to  Thy  most  holy  and  blessed  will.  During 
these  few  days,  when  so  surrounded  by  many  of  various 
descriptions,  keep  my  eye,  I  fervently  pray  Thee,  single 
unto  Thyself,  doing  whatever  Thou  wouldest  have  me,  either 
to  do,  or  to  suffer, — not  bowing  the  knee  of  my  heart  to 
any  mortal,  or  seeking  to  gratify,  or  even  satisfy  self — but, 
0  Lord !  let  Thy  will  be  done  in  me,  by  me,  and  through 
me ;  permit  our  souls  to  be  united  in  sweet  and  precious 
unity  with  all  who  fear  Thy  name,  and  not  only  those  ;  even 
animate  the  hearts  of  others,  who  may  not  yet  know  Thee, 
that  they  also  may  be  touched  by  Thy  love,  and  united 
together  in  Thy  fear.  Let  Thy  good  presence  be  with  us, 
that  the  fesble  be  strengthened,  the  discouraged  animated 
by  hope,  the  lukewarm  stimulated,  and  the  backslider  turned 
from  the  error  of  his  ways,  even  so,  if  consistent  with  Thy 
holy  will.  If  thou  seest  meet  to  make  use  of  Thy  unworthy 
children  to  speak  in  Thy  name,  be  unto  them  tongue  and 
utterance,  wisdom  and  power,  that  through  Thy  grace,  and 
the  help  of  Thy  spirit,  sinners  may  be  converted  unto  Thee. 
Amen,  Amen. 

Plnshet,  22wrf. — My  beloved  brother's  funeral  was  a  very 
soleLn  and  humbling  day  to  me ;  whilst  we  sat  at  Earlham 
round  the  body,  my  uncle  Joseph,  my  sisters  Catherine, 
Rachel,  and  Priscilla,  and  I,  each  had  something  to  say  ; 
also  Edward  Edwards.  I  had  to  finish  the  sitting  with  these 
words,  "  There  are  different  gifts,  but  the  same  Spirit.  And 
there  are  differences  of  administrations,  but  the  same  Lord. 
And  there  are  diversities  of  operations,  but  it  is  the  same 
God  which  worketh  all  in  all.  But  let  us  earnestly  covet 
the  best  gifts."  It  certainly  was  a  striking  occasion.  Wero 
not  all,  in  a  measure,  leavened  into  one  spirit  ?  It  was  a 
very  solemn  time  at  the  ground,  and  I  trust  an  instructive 
one,  very  affecting  to  our  -jatural  feelings,  thus  to  leave  the 


1814.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FEY.  215 

body  of  one  so  tenderly  beloved,  to  moulder  with  the  dust. 
Upon  my  return,  I  heard  of  the  sudden  death  of  my  long- 
loved  cousin,  J.  G.  Bevan.  My  spirit  was  much  overwhelmed 
within  me,  but  there  was  a  stay  underneath ;  blessed  be  the 
name  of  the  Lord.  I  bid  them  all  farewell,  at  Earlham,  in 
near  unity.  Oh,  may  my  children  love  as  we  love — this 
has  been  the  prayer  of  my  heart ! 

30/7i. — Another  month  nearly  gone,  how  much  has  passed 
in  it ;  how  awfully  has  death  been  brought  to  my  view.  I 
have  felt  it  a  good  deal,  on  my  own  account :  and  cannot 
Bay  that,  at  present,  death  appears  to  have  no  sting  for  mo, 
or  the  grave  no  victory.  May  that  blessed  state  ever  be  mine, 
of  knowing  the  sting  of  death  to  be  altogether  removed. 


Extract  from  a  letter  to  her  cousin,  P.  H.  Gurney. 

Plashet,  Tenth  Month,  l$th,  1814. 
My  beloved  Cousin, 

I  regret  not  answering  thy  letter  before,  but  almost  constant 
engagements  have  prevented  me.  I  believe  few  can  more 
feelingly  sympathize  than  myself,  in  thy  great  loss  in  this 
our  tenderly  beloved  cousin,  Joseph  Gurney  Bevan. 

He  was  indeed  a  true  friend,  a  wise  counsellor,  and  is  an 
inexpressible  loss  to  me  ;  I  feel  a  real  and  great  deprivation, 
and  a  vacancy  that  I  know  not  who  can  fill.  Dear  John 
IJull's  state  is  also  very  affecting,  but  he  yet  remains  not 
only  alive,  but  lively  in  spirit.  I  have  once  been  to  see  him, 
and  may  be  thankful  that  he  is  yet  spared  to  us,  but  it  is  a 
blessing  I  do  not  expect  long  to  enjoy  ;  dear  Rachel  Smith's 
loss  is  also  present  with  me.  Now  for  my  tenderly  beloved 
brother  ;  words  fall  very  short  of  expression.  I  do  not  know 
that  I  can  feel  grateful  enough  on  his  account ;  we  may 
truly  say  that  his  end  appeared  blessed  indeed,  love,  joy, 
and  peace  were  the  covering  of  his  spirit,  "  Blessed  are  the 
dead  that  die  in  the  Lord."  No  evil  or  sorrow  appeared  to 


216  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1815. 

be  permitted  to  come  near  him,  no  pain,  mind,  or  body,  that; 
we  could  perceive, — what  a  fav  ur  !  He  was  buried  in  the 
Friends'  Burying  Ground  at  Norwich,  by  his  wife. 

Plashet,  Eleventh  Month,  2nd. — My  beloved  husband 
and  girls  returned  from  France,  on  Second  day ;  my  heart 
was  rather  overwhelmed  in  receiving  them  again.  I  also 
had  to  feel  the  spirit  in  which  some  persons  took  my  having 
allowed  them  to  go,  making  what  appeared  to  be  unkind  re- 
marks. Oh,  how  do  I  see  rocks  on  every  hand  ;  thus  almost 
all  persons,  who  appear  to  pride  themselves  upon  their  con- 
sistency, are  apt  to  judge  others  ;  whilst  some,  who  no 
doubt  yield  to  temptations,  greatly  suffer,  and  weaken  them- 
selves by  it.  How  weak,  how  frail  are  we  on  every  hand  ; 
my  heart  was  much  overwhelmed,  seeing  the  infirmities  of 
others,  and  feeling  my  own. 

Elizabeth  Fry  exercised  a  watchful  care,  never,  unless 
duty  required  it,  to  oppose  the  wishes  of  her  husband  ;  and 
it  could  not  reasonably  be  expected  that  she  would  prevent 
his  taking  his  two  elder  girls  on  this  excursion.  But  her 
solicitude  on  account  of  her  family  became  increasingly 
great.  She  found  as  her  children  advanced  in  age,  and  the 
corrupt  propensities  of  the  natural  mind  developed  them- 
selves, that  she  often  failed  in  her  attempts  to  control  the 
unyielding  will,  and  to  subdue  the  vain  inclination — and, 
from  external  circumstances,  she  did  not  receive  the  co-op- 
eration requisite,  rightly  to  govern  their  volatile  tempera- 
ment :  but  earnest  were  her  efforts  to  guide  them  into  the 
way  of  peace,  and  fervent  her  prayers  that  they  might  be 
gathered  to  the  fold  of  the  good  Shepherd. 

Mildred's  Court,  first  Month,  16th,  1815. — We  came 
here  for  a  little  change  of  air,  on  account  of  our  poor  babe, 
who  has  been,  and  continues  seriously  ill.  Instead  of  her 
sweet  smile,  her  countenance  mostly  marks  distress ;  the 
cause  appears  greatly  hidden  ;  my  mind  and  heart  are  op- 


1815.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  21T 

pressed,  and  my  body  fatigued,  partly  from  losing  so  much 
sleep.  I  have  felt  my  infirmity  during  this  affliction,  and 
also  having  betrayed  it  to  others,  which  I  have,  I  appre- 
hend, to  judge  by  my  touchy  feelings  ;  but,  I  trust,  I  re- 
pent. Oh,  what  am  I  ?  very  poor,  very  unworthy,  very 
weak,  but  through  all,  I  trust  that  the  Lord  will  be  my 
stay ;  and  even  when  brought  thus  low,  I  have  known  a 
little  of  being,  at  seasons,  clothed  with  that  righteousness 
which  cometh  from  God  :  I  found  it  was  well  so  feelingly 
to  have  been  brought  to  a  knowledge  of  what  I  am,  in  myself, 
as  I  could  more  fully  testify  from  whence  the  good  comes, 
when  brought  in  measure,  under  its  calming,  enlivening,  and 
loving  influence.  Preserve  me,  0  Lord  !  from  hurting  the 
little  ones,  more  particularly  those  before  whom  I  have  to 
walk  ;  and  permit  me  yet  to  encourage  their  progress  Zion- 
ward. 

25th. — A  time  of  anxiety  about  things  temporal  has  lately 
been  my  portion,  but  much  deliverance  has  so  far  been 
granted  ;  my  sweet  baby  is  much  better :  though  other 
matters  are  still  pressing,  yet  it  appears,  as  to  things  tem- 
poral, that  prayer  has  been  heard  and  answered.  From  one 
cause  or  another,  how  much  my  heart,  mind,  and  time  have, 
for  more  than  a  year  past,  been  engaged  with  the  cares  of 
this  life  ;  alas  !  may  the  pure  seed  not  be  choked. 

Second  Month,  2,1th. — I  have  a  religious  concern  in  pros- 
pect, which  I  am  likely  to  lay  before  Friends  to-morrow ;  but 
believing  that  to  be  the  Lord's  work,  I  am  enabled  to  leave 
it,  trusting  in  Him. 

This  entry  in  Elizabeth  Fry's  journal,  alludes  to  some 
Meetings  which  she  attended  on  her  way  into  Norfolk.  She 
spent  a  few  days  at  Earlham,  before  her  return  home. 

Erith,  Third  Month  ,23rd, — Yesterday  morning  commenced 
our  little  journey,  cut  friends  the  Steinkopffs  and  Rebecca 
Chrir'y  with  H.«,  as  -  did  not  like  the  Steinkopffs  should  leave 


218  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1816. 

as,  believing  them  to  be  fellow-disciples.  My  heart  felt  very 
*ull,  with  my  husband,  children,  and  household  around  me :  it 
almost  overwhelmed  me.  I  had  cast  my  whole  care  upon  my 
holy  and  blessed  Helper,  wha  has  hitherto  kept  me,  and 
cared  for  me  and  mine.  Oh,  saith  my  soul,  may  He  preserve 
us,  now  separated,  as  well  as  together.  I  have  had  to  speak 
to  them  all,  in  testimony,  in  these  words,  "  If  ye  love  me,  keep 
my  commandments,"  believing  that  we  poor,  fellow-mortals 
might  address  that  language  to  each  other.  Then,  upon 
sitting  down  to  breakfast,  I  had  to  return  thanks  for  bread 
being  broken  to  us,  spiritually  and  temporally,  and  to  pray 
for  more.  I  deeply  felt  parting,  most  particularly  with  my 
sweet,  dear,  little  babe  ;  but  I  believe  we  parted  under  the 
canopy  of  divine  love,  and  blessing.  We  travelled  well,  and 
comfortably  here,  but  in  the  night  I  had  a  deep  plunge, 
making  me  exceedingly  low  and  nervous.  The  enemy 
seemed  to  come  in  like  a  flood ;  I  sought  after  quietness 
and  patience,  and  in  due  time,  felt  a  standard  to  be  lifted  up 
against  him,  for  which  mercy  may  I  not  say,  "  Bless  the 
Lord,  oh,  my  soul,  and  all  that  is  within  me,  bless  his  holy 
name."  I  believe  baptisms  are  necessary  for  our  preparation 
and  refinement  for  such  awful  services,  therefore  I  desire  not 
to  flinch,  but  to  pray  that  if  consistent  with  the  Divine  will, 
fears  may  not  have  dominion  over  me.  Oh,  for  preservation 
on  every  hand  ;  and  be  pleased,  righteous  Father,  to  be  with, 
and  bless  my  husband  and  children,  as  well  as  Thy  poor, 
unworthy  handmaid ;  enable  her  so  to  keep  the  word  of  Thy 
patience,  that  Thou  mayst  keep  her  from  the  hour  of  tempta- 
tion. Amen,  and  Amen.  Be  with  us,  0  Lord  !  this  day  and 
night,  that  we  may  know  our  poor  bodies  and  souls  to  be  a 
little  strengthened,  if  consistent  with  thy  holy  will. 

Towards  the  end  of  the  summer,  which  had  been  passed 
in  tranquil  enjoyment  at  Plashet,  she  believed  it  her  duty  to 
join  her  friends  William  Forster  and  llebecca  Christy  in  a 
visit  to  the  families  of  Kingston  Monthly  Meeting. 


1815.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  219 

Plashet,  Ninth  Month,  $th. — I  think  I  may  acknowledge, 
that  although  much  stripping  and  deep  poverty  has  at  times 
been  my  portion,  during  my  visit  to  the  families  of  Kingston 
Monthly  Meeting,  with  dear  William  Forster  and  Rebecca 
Christy ;  yet  power,  consolation,  and  sweetness  have  also 
been  felt  at  times,  and  I  think  our  way  has  been  remarkably 
made  in  the  hearts  of  those  we  have  visited.  I  came  home 
with  the  feeling,  that  he  who  waters  is  also  watered.  The 
prospect  of  not  having  finished,  and  of  leaving  home  again, 
is  serious ;  but  oh,  for  preservation  and  strength  to  do  the 
will  of  God,  at  home  and  abroad. 

15th. — I  returned  home  last  evening,  having  just  finished 
my  engagement  with  William  Forster  and  Rebecca  Christy. 
Being  at  home  again,  and  having  some  heavy  clouds,  a  little, 
indeed  a  good  deal,  dispersed,  is  a  great  comfort  and  relief. 
We  have  been  much  favoured  in  our  goings  along  ;  help  being 
granted  from  season  to  season,  much  unity  of  the  Spirit,  and 
general  sweetness  and  openness  amongst  others.  But  I  have 
felt  since  my  return,  this  morning,  in  our  frail  state,  how 
difficult  it  is,  even  when  engaged  in  religious  services,  to 
prevent  our  infirmities  creeping  in  and  showing  themselves, 
something  like  the  iniquity  of  our  holy  things.  Great  as  is 
the  honour  and  favour  of  being  employed  in  the  Master's 
service,  and  the  peace  and  consolation  which  attend  the  re- 
membrance of  it ;  yet  I  am  so  much  aware  of  the  evil  seed 
not  being  eradicated  from  my  own  heart,  that  my  present 
feeling  is  this,  "  Who  can  understand  his  errors?  cleanse 
Thou  mo  from  secret  faults,  keep  back  Thy  servant  also 
from  presumptuous  sins,  let  them  not  have  dominion  over 
me ;"  and  how  anxiously  do  I  desire  that  I  may  not  only  be 
as  a  vessel,  washed  and  cleansed  from  impurities,  contracted 
in  being  used,  but  also  if  these  have  shown  themselves,  that 
the  most  precious  and  blessed  cause  of  truth  and  righteous- 
ness, may  not  have  been  hurt  by  me,  but  that  our  little 
labours  of  love  may  be  blessed  to  ourselves  and  others ;  and 
now  that  I  am  come  home,  oh,  may  I  labour  and  not  faint. 


220  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1815. 

Tenth  Month,  14th. — I  have  been  of  late  principally  oc- 
cupied at  home,  which  has  its  peculiar  exercises,  as  well  as 
being  abroad  ;  having  to  govern  such  a  large  household, 
where  the  infirmity  and  evil  propensity  of  each  one,  old  and 
young,  too  often  show  themselves,  and  deeply  try  me  in  many 
ways.  It  confirms  me  in  a  feeling  of  my  infirmity ;  it 
numbles  me ;  yet  I  trust  through  all,  the  discipline  of  the 
cross  may  be  found  amongst  us,  and  through  its  subjecting 
influence,  the  wrong  thing  in  measure  is  kept  under.  How- 
ever, I  have  my  consolations,  and  great  consolations,  but  I 
find,  I  am  not  to  rest  even  in  the  ruling  and  order  of  my 
household.  Many  changes  in  our  family  circle,  among 
others,  my  dear  sister  Richenda  is  likely  to  marry  Francis 
Cunningham. 

Elizabeth  Fry  had  known  many  trials  during  the  two 
preceding  years,  but  an  acute  sorrow,  and  one  unlike  any 
which  she  had  hitherto  experienced,  now  awaited  her.  The 
death  of  her  little  Elizabeth,  the  seventh  child.  She  was 
lovely,  and  of  much  promise ;  with  her  mother's  name  she 
possessed  much  of  her  nature,  and  more  of  her  general 
appearance,  effect,  and  manner,  than  any  of  her  other 
children. 

Plashet,  Eleventh  Month. — It  has  pleased  Almighty  and 
Infinite  Wisdom,  to  take  from  us  our  most  dear  and  tenderly 
beloved  child,  little  Betsy — between  four  and  five  years  old. 
She  was  a  very  precious  child,  of  much  wisdom  for  her  years, 
and  I  can  hardly  help  believing  much  grace  ;  liable  to  the 
frailty  of  childhood  :  at  times  she  would  differ  with  the  little 
one,  and  rather  loved  her  own  way ;  but  she  was  very  easy  to 
lead,  though  not  one  to  be  driven.  She  had  most  tender 
affections,  a  good  understanding ;  for  her  years,  a  remarkably 
staid  and  solid  mind.  Her  love  was  very  strong,  and  her 
little  attentions  great  to  those  she  loved,  and  remarkable  in 
her  kindness  to  servants,  poor  people ;  and  to  all  animals, 
she  had  much  feeling  for  them ;  but  what  waa  more,  the  bent 


1815.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  221 

of  her  mind  was  remarkably  towards  serious  things.  It  was 
a  subject  she  loved  to  dwell  upon  j  she  would  often  talk  of 
"  Almighty,"  and  almost  every  thing  that  had  connection 
with  Him.  On  Third  day,  the  21st,  after  some  suffering  *f 
body  from  great  sickness,  she  appeared  wonderfully  relieved, 
and  I  may  say  raised  in  spirit ;  she  began  by  telling  me  how 
many  hymns  and  stories  she  knew,  with  her  countenance 
greatly  animated,  a  flush  on  her  cheeks,  and  her  eyes  verj 
bright,  a  smile  of  inexpressible  content,  almost  joy — I  think 
she  first  said  with  a  powerful  voice, 

''  How  glorious  is  our  Heavenly  King 
Who  reigns  above  the  sky." 

And  then  expressed  how  beautiful  it  was,  and  how  the  little 
children  that  die  stand  before  Him,  but  she  did  not  remem- 
ber all  the  words  of  the  hymn,  nor  could  I  help  her ;  she  then 
mentioned  other  hymns  and  many  sweet  things  ;  she  spoke 
with  delight  of  how  she  could  nurse  the  little  ones  and  take 
care  of  them,  &c.,  her  heart  appeared  inexpressibly  to  over- 
flow with  love.  ...  In  her  death,  there  was  abundant 
cause  for  thanksgiving;  prayer  appeared  indeed  to  be  an- 
swered, as  very  little,  if  any  suffering  seemed  to  attend  her, 
and  no  struggle  at  last ;  but  her  breath  grew  more  and  more 
seldom  and  gentle,  till  she  ceased  to  breathe.  During  the 
day,  being  from  time  to  time  strengthened  in  prayer,  in  heart, 
and  in  word,  I  found  myself  only  led  to  ask  for  her,  that  she 
might  be  for  ever  with  her  God,  whether  she  remained  much 
longer  in  time  or  not,  but  that  if  it  pleased  Infinite  Wisdom, 
her  sufferings  might  be  mitigated,  and  as  far  as  it  was  need- 
ful for  her  to  suffer,  that  she  might  be  sustained.  This  was 
marvellously  answered  beyond  anything  we  could  expect. 
I  desire  never  to  forget  this  favour,  but,  if  it  please  Infinite 
Wisdom,  to  be  preserved  from  repining,  or  unduly  giving 
way  to  lamentation,  for  losing  so  sweet,  so  kind  a  child.  .  . 
My  loss  has  touched  me  in  a  manner  almost  inexpressible  ; 
r,o  awake,  and  find  my  much  and  so  tenderly  beloved  little 


222  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1815. 

girl  so  totally  fled  from  my  view,  so  many  pleasant  pictures 
marred.  As  far  as  I  am  concerned,  I  view  it  as  a  separation 
from  a  sweet  source  of  comfort  and  enjoyment,  but  surely  not 
a  real  evil ;  abundant  comforts  are  left  me,  if  it  please  my 
kind  and  Heavenly  Father  to  give  me  power  to  enjoy  them, 
and  continually  in  heart  to  return  Him  thanks,  on  account 
of  His  unutterable  loving-kindness  to  my  tenderly  beloved 
little  one,  who  had  so  sweet  and  easy  a  life,  and  so  tranquil 
a  death ;  and  that,  in  her  young  and  tender  years,  her  heart 
had  been  animated  with  love  and  desires  after  Himself,  and 
also  that,  for  our  sakes,  she  should  so  often  have  expressed  it 
in  her  childish,  innocent  way. 

Extract  from  a  letter  of  Richenda  Gurney's,  to  her  sister 
Rachel  at  Rome,  dated  "  Plashet,  November  26th :" — 

"  I  never  witnessed  stronger  faith,  more  submission,  more 
evidences  of  the  power  of  grace,  in  any  one,  than  in  our  be- 
loved sister  at  that  time ;  I  felt  it  a  mercy  to  be  a  humble 
sharer  in  the  rich  portion  granted  her  in  that  hour  of  need ; 
never  was  I  more  impressed  with  the  blessedness,  which  is 
experienced  by  those  who  have  served  the  Lord  Jesus,  who 
have  preferred  Him  above  all  things,  who  have  been  willing 
to  take  up  tlieir  daily  cross  to  follow  Him.  He  is  not  a  hard 
Master;  He  never  leaves  nor  forsakes  His  own,  and  will 
show  himself  strong,  in  behalf  of  those  whose  hearts  are  per- 
fect towards  Him.  After  a  few  minutes,  we  retired  with  our 
dear  sister  into  the  next  room.  She  was  desirous  that  chil- 
dren and  servants,  (especially  the  nurses,)  and  all  her  friends 
who  had  been  present,  should  come  to  her ;  when  thus  sur- 
rounded, as  she  lay  upon  the  sofa,  she  poured  out  her  heart 
in  thanksgiving  and  prayer,  in  a  manner  deeply  affecting 
and  edifying ;  for  myself,  I  felt  it  highly  valuable,  and  would 
not  but  have  been  there  for  a  great  deaP.  Whilst  memory 
lasts,  I  think  and  hope  I  never  shall  forget  the  scene,  or  the 
impression  it  made." 


1815.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  223 

Plashet,  Eleventh  Month,  27th. — Man  is  not  to  live  by 
bread  alone,  but  by  every  word  of  God.  It  appears  now  my 
case,  in  my  deep  sorrow ;  I  am  not,  indeed,  to  live  by  bread 
alone,  but  to  be  nourished,  and  kept  alive  by  that  inward, 
powerful  word,  that  cometh  from  God,  and  by  every  word 
being  renewed  in  the  needful  time;  I  feel  no  other  sure 
source  of  consolation.  Abundant  mercy  has  indeed  been 
shown  me ;  my  weaknesses  met,  and  my  prayers  answered, 
even  about  smaller  things.  Although  it  pleases  my  Heavenly 
Father  thus  to  chastise  me,  yet  I  am  permitted  to  feel  that 
He  doth  love  those  whom  he  chasteneth.  I  feel  His  love 
very  near,  and,  like  a  tender  parent,  that  may  see  right  to 
inflict  the  rod,  rather,  perhaps,  than  spoil  the  child ;  yet  tho 
same  hand  administers  the  salve  to  the  wound,  and  cherishes 
the  more  tenderly  after  it ;  and  makes  manifest  to  His  poor 
child,  that,  although  a  deep  wound,  it  is  in  mercy,  and  to  the 
unspeakable  gain  of  one  most  tenderly  beloved,  having  taken 
her  from  the  conflicts  of  time,  and  (I  humbly  trust)  permitted 
her  an  entrance  into  the  enduring  joys  of  eternity ;  and  that, 
through  the  blood  and  power  of  her  Redeemer,  she  has  been 
washed  and  made  clean.  Though,  from  her  tender  years, 
and  good  and  innocent  spirit,  we  believed  her  remarkably 
ready,  still  I  saw  and  felt  need  of  a  Saviour,  even  for  such  a 
little  child ;  for,  of  course,  she  had  some  childish  transgres- 
sions, or  little  deviations,  but  I  believe  that  they  were  all 
washed  away,  and  that  indeed  reconciliation  was  obtained, 
as  far  as  there  ever  had  been  any  separation.  So  I  cannot 
help  hoping  that  she  was  ripe  for  glory. 

Plashet,  Twelfth  Month,  1st. — I  have  been  enabled  in 
measure  to  arise  and  attend  to  the  business  of  life,  but  a  cloud 
appeared  to  rest  over  me,  in  remembrance  of  what  wo  have 
lost;  but,  when  enabled  to  view  her  with  her  Heavenly 
Father,  and  out  of  the  reach  of  all  harm,  then  I  can  go  more 
cheerfully  on  my  way,  and  enjoy  my  remaining  blessings  ; 
particularly  my  children  ;  though  every  thing  of  the  earth 
has  been  made,  I  think,  increasingly  to  shake,  in  my  view. 


224  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FBY.  [1815 

But  I  desire  that  this  feeling  my  increase  in  my  mind,  sho 
cannot  return  to  me,  but  I  may  go  to  her.  Ah !  may  I  not 
say,  how  hast  Thou  helped  her  that  is  without  power  !  How 
savest  Thou  the  arm  that  has  no  strength  !  May  I  be  more 
willing  to  be  faithful  in  the  gift  at  all  times,  in  all  places,  in 
•weakness  and  in  strength. 

Plashet,  2nd. — I  am  brought  into  some  conflict  this  morn- 
ing, respecting  my  attending  the  Dorsetshire  Quarterly 
Meeting.  I  had  looked  to  it  before  the  illness  of  our  dear 
lamb,  and  not  feeling  clear  of  it,  and  yet  not  much  light 
shining  upon  it,  my  poor  soul  is  tried  within  me ;  for  under 
my  present  circumstances,  I  appear  much  to  want  the  help  of 
faith,  to  leave  my  other  sweet  lambs  ;  but  ought  I  not  rather 
to  feel  renewed  stimulus,  seeing  how  short  time  is,  to  do  what 
comes  to  hand,  and  after  all  that  I  have  experienced,  should 
I  not  rather  trust  than  be  afraid,  for  was  the  hand  of  Provi- 
dence ever  more  marked,  even  as  it  related  to  outward  things  ? 
I  believe^I  am  fully  resigned  to  go,  if  it  be  the  Lord's  will : 
for  I  do  believe,  for  all  my  many  and  great  infirmities,  my 
flinching  nature,  my  want  of  faith  and  patience,  yet  it  remains 
my  first  desire,  to  do  or  to  suffer,  according  to  the  Divine 
will.  If  consistent  with  Thy  holy  will,  dearest  Lord,  if  I 
ought  to  go,  be  pleased  to  throw  a  little  light  upon  the  subject, 
and  if  not  somehow  make  it  manifest ;  and  if  Thou  shouldst 
think  fit  to  call  Thy  poor  child  into  Thy  service,  be  pleased 
to  be  with  her  in  it,  and  bless  her  labours  of  love,  where  her 
lot  may  be  cast,  that  others  may  be  made  sensible  how  good 
a  God  Thou  art,  how  great  is  Thy  tender  mercy  and  loving- 
kindness,  and  that  these  may  be  encouraged  yet  to  serve 
Thee  more,  with  the  whole  heart ;  also  be  pleased,  dearest 
Lord,  if  Thou  shouldst  order  it  that  I  go,  to  keep  my  beloved 
husband,  children,  and  household  in  my  absence,  that  no 
harm  may  come  to  them  spiritually,  or  bodily.  Thou  hast, 
in  abundant  mercy,  regarded  the  weak  estate,  and  infirm 
condition  of  Thy  handmaid,  and  hitherto  answered  her  cry, 
and  even  met  her  in  her  weakness  ;  that,  if  not  asking  in  her 


1815.]  LIFE   OP  ELIZABETH   FRY.  225 

own  will,  she  could  supplicate  Thee,  that  their  poor  bodies 
as  well  as  their  souls,  may  be  preserved  from  (much)  harm  in 
her  absence ;  but,  dearest  Lord,  let  me  not  go,  if  my  right 
place  be  at  home  ;  but  if  Thou  callest  me  out,  be  pleased  to 
grant  a  little  faith,  and  a  little  strength,  that  I  may  go  forth 
in  Thy  power,  trusting  in  Thee,  as  it  relates  to  them,  as  well 
as  to  myself.  Be  pleased  also,  if  I  be  called  from  home  at 
such  a  time,  not  to  let  it  try  or  weaken  the  faith  of  others ; 
but  rather  may  it  tend  to  confirm  and  strengthen  it. 

Plashet,  \\th. — Truly  I  went  forth  weeping;  and  my 
sweet  Louisa  being  poorly,  much  increased  my  anxiety ; 
and  it's  difficult  to  say  the  fears  and  doubts  that  crept  in,  on 
my  way  to  Shaftesbury,  though,  through  mercy,  the  enemy's 
power  appeared  limited,  and  my  fears  gained  no  dominion 
over  me,  but  they  were  soon  quieted,  and  I  had  mostly  quiet, 
comfortable  nights,  though  it  was  wading  through  deep 
waters,  and  in  great  weakness  ;  yet  help  was,  from  season  to 
season,  administered. 

Plashet,  14th. — It  is  the  opinion  of  medical  men  that  the 
scarlet  fever,  in  a  mild  form,  is  the  complaint  in  the  house ; 
it  is  most  probable  that  it  will  appear  again  amongst  us,  but 
that  I  desire  to  leave.  They  also  think  our  dear  Rachel  has 
a  very  serious  hip  complaint,  but  this  I  also  feel  disposed  not 
to  be  very  anxious  about.  With  regard  to  my  tenderly 
beloved  little  Betsy,  she  is  in  my  most  near  and  affectionate 
remembrance,  by  night,  and  by  day  ;  when  I  feel  her  loss, 
and  view  her  little  (to  me)  beautiful  body  in  Barking  burying- 
ground,  my  heart  is  pained  within  me  ;  but  when,  with  tho 
eye  of  faith,  I  can  view  her  in  an  everlasting  resting-place  in 
Christ  Jesus,  where  indeed  no  evil  can  come  nigh  her  dwel- 
ling, then  I  can  rest  even  with  sweet  consolation  ;  and  I  do 
truly  desire  that  when  her  loss  is  so  present  with  me,  as  it  is 
at  times,  that  I  cannot  help  my  natural  spirits  being  much 
overwhelmed,  that  I  may  be  preserved  from  anything  like 
repining,  or  undue  sorrow,  or  in  any  degree  depreciating  tho 
many  blessings  continued ;  particularly  so  many  sweet,  dear 
29 


226  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FEY.  [1816. 

children  being  left  us ;  for  through  all,  I  feel  receiving  them 
a  blessing,  having  their  life  preserved  a  blessing,  and  in 
the  sweet  lamb  who  is  taken,  I  have  felt  a  blessing  in  her 
being  taken  away;  such  an  evidence  of  faith  has  been 
granted  that  it  is  in  mercy,  and  at  the  time  such  a  feeling 
of  joy  on  her  account.  It  is  now  softened  down  into  a  very 
tender  sorrow,  the  remembrance  of  her  is  inexpressibly 
sweet,  and  I  trust  that  the  whole  event  has  done  me  good, 
as  I  peculiarly  feel  it  an  encouragement  to  suffer  whatever 
is  appointed  me ;  that  being  (if  it  may  ever  be  my  blessed 
allotment)  made  perfect  through  suffering,  I  may  be  pre- 
pared to  join  the  purified  spirits  of  those  that  are  gone  be- 
fore me ;  and  having  felt  so  very  deeply,  I  am  almost 
ready  to  think  has  a  little  prepared  my  neck  for  the  yoke 
of  suffering. 

Plashet,  First  Month,  Hth,  1816. — The  turning  a  new 
year  I  felt  very  much,  more  particularly  the  change  in  the 
last,  in  our  beloved  Betsy  being  taken  from  us.  I  little  ex- 
pected, so  soon  upon  entering  this,  to  have  one,  so  deeply 
beloved  as  my  brother  Samuel,  so  seriously  ill ;  I  have, 
from  his  early  years,  prayed  for  him,  and  interceded,  with 
strong  intercession  of  spirit,  that  he  might  not  be  hurt  by 
evil.  I  hardly  knew  how  to  give  him  up,  and  my  soul  has 
craved,  that  if  right,  he  may  live,  to  continue  to  be  a  bless- 
ing to  his  family,  an  ornament  to  the  Church,  and  to  show 
forth  the  praise  of  his  Great  Lord  and  Master. 

Plashet,  Third  Month,  10</i. — I  returned  home,  after  be- 
ing at  Stamford  Hill  for  change  of  air  ;  but  my  cough,  &c., 
&c.,  continue  very  poorly,  but  through  abundant  mercy,  a 
calm,  and  not  unfrequently  a  cheerful  spirit,  is  my  portion ; 
though  I  do  not  feel  dwelling  so  evidently  near  the  fountain 
and  source  of  all  good,  as  I  desire  ;  at  least,  fears  arise  for 
myself ;  though  it  appears  due  to  acknowledge,  that  the 
fountain  and  source  of  all  good  dwells  near  me,  so  that  some 
things  which  would,  at  times,  have  ruffled  and  troubled  me 
a  good  deal,  have  passed  quietly,  nay,  comfortably  by ;  as 


1816.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  227 

if,  in  this  time  of  -weakness  of  body,  I  was  shielded,  in  de- 
gree, from  the  storms.  My  views  of  these  trials  continue 
at  times  to  be  rather  unusually  calmed,  at  least  not  often  so 
dreadful  as  at  some  former  periods.  I  feel,  although  I  ex- 
pect to  get  through  my  approaching  confinement,  my  life 
more  concerned  in  my  present  lung  complaint,  than  it  often 
has  been  in  more  painful  and  trying  attacks  ;  but  at  present, 
unworthy  as  I  am,  this  does  not  excite  uneasiness,  though 
perhaps  it  might,  if  I  believed  it  more  serious  than  I  do  ; 
but  at  times  I  have  that  hope  in  my  Redeemer,  not  in  my- 
self, but  in  Him  who  has  already  visited  and  cared  for  me, 
in  Him  whom  my  soul  has  loved,  and  at  seasons  rejoiced  in, 
in  Him  to  whom,  in  weakness,  I  have  sought  to  prove  my 
love,  by  serving  him  through  His  own  help,  that  I  am  ready 
to  believe,  nay  to  trust,  that  He  will  be  with  me  to  the  end  ; 
that  He  will  not  leave,  nor  forsake  his  unworthy  one,  that 
He  will  yet  sustain  her,  in  doing,  and  in  suffering,  as  far  as 
He  may  be  pleased  to  call  into  either  ;  .that  after  carrying 
her  through  all  the  remaining  conflicts  of  time,  He  will 
even  continue  to  be  with  her  to  all  eternity  ;  and  where  He 
lives  and  reigns,  there  she  expects  to  find  everlasting  rest 
and  peace.  Thou  hast,  gracious  Lord,  been  a  merciful  God 
to  me  ;  granted  me  help  and  strength,  in  the  name  of  Thy  be- 
loved Son :  Thou  hast  visited  and  anointed  my  unworthy  soul. 
Plashet,  Fourth  Month,  3rd. — Since  writing  the  last  jour- 
nal, much  feeling  of  illness  and  lowncss  of  spirits  have  been 
my  portion ;  but  how  much  do  I  desire  quietness  and  pa- 
tience, in  this  straitened  place,  where  the  waves  and  bil- 
lows are  in  measure  permitted  to  pass  over  my  head.  It  is 
indeed  like  a  cloud  resting  over  the  tabernacle,  so  that  I  can- 
not perceive  clearly  the  comforts  and  blessings  that  surround 
me.  I  felt  a  little  ray  of  comfort  this  morning,  in  these 
•words,  "  My  King  and  my  God,"  for  however  tried,  however 
afflicted,  however  clouded,  we  may  be,  in  this  there  is  in- 
deed hope  and  consolation,  (if  it  please  Almighty  loving- 
kindness  to  permit  us  to  see  it,)  even  to  feel  that  the  Most 


228  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1816 

High  is  our  King  and  God ;  that  he  hath  in  abundant  mercy 
manifested  Himself  to  be  so,  and  that  now  and  then,  through 
the  help  of  our  Redeemer,  we  have  been  enabled  to  prove  that 
we  have  sought  to  serve  Him,'and  desired  that  He  alone  should 
be  our  King  and  our  God.  Dearest,  kindest  Lord !  Thou,  who 
hast  regarded  me,  and  dispersed  many  clouds  for  me,  be 
pleased  yet  to  regard  me,  whatever  be  my  state  ;  however 
low  I  may  be  brought  before  Thee  ;  and,  in  Thine  own  time, 
disperse  my  clouds,  let  the  sun  arise,  as  with  clear  shining 
after  rain ;  and,  if  consistent  with  Thy  Holy  Will,  let  not 
fear  or  irritability  gain  dominion  over  me ;  but  be  Thou  my 
King,  and  my  God,  from  season  to  season,  scattering  all  mine 
enemies  before  my  face,  that  they  overcome  me  not ;  and,  if 
consistent  with  Thy  Holy  Will,  permit  no  conflict,  either 
before,  at,  or  after  my  confinement,  really  to  overcome  body, 
soul,  or  spirit ;  but  as  my  day  is,  so  may  my  strength  be. 
I  believe  my  present  indisposition  may  be  increased  by  my 
long  confinement  to  two  rooms  for  my  cough,  now  nearly  a 
month  ;  and  not  a  little  from  sorrow  and  distress.  I  have 
known  much  this  winter ;  the  loss  of  my  lovely  child — the 
frequent  illnesses  in  the  house  amongst  the  family — loss  of 
property — my  own  long  cough  ;  yet  I  know  hardly  any  trial, 
except  indeed  real  evil,  that  appears  so  greatly  to  undermine 
comfort  outwardly  and  inwardly,  as  a  nervous  state  of  body 
and  mind  ;  it  calls  for  watchfulness  on  the  part  of  those  who 
have  it,  not  unduly  to  give  way  to  it ;  though  I  believe  few 
things  are  really  less  in  our  power. 

15th. — I  was  favoured  to  feel  much  relieved  and  comforted 
yesterday,  in  pouring  forth  my  soul  in  supplication,  before 
my  family  after  dinner ;  a  sweet  calm  followed,  help  appear- 
ing to  be  very  near.  After  all  other  remedies  fail,  what  a 
stronghold  is  prayer  ;  how  have  my  poor  soul  and  body  been 
helped  in  answer  to  my  supplications,  more  particularly  those 
called  for  before  others ;  it  is,  I  think,  a  very  striking  evi- 
dence that  such  sacrifices  are  acceptable  in  the  Divine  sight, 
and  called  for  at  His  hand,  even  in  publicly  committing 


1816.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  229 

ourselves  to  Him.  Oh,  that  I  were  not  so  faithless,  but 
more  believing ;  then  1  think  fear  never  would  take  the  place 
it  does  ;  yet  this  is  my  infirmity,  perhaps  permitted  for  my 
good,  that  I  may  more  and  more  know  what  I  am,  and  what 
the  Power  is,  that  we  alone  desire  to  rest  upon  us. 

Her  tenth  child  was  born  on  the  18th  of  Fourth  month. 

Fourth  Month,  27th. — Thanks,  I  may  say,  be  unto  my 
God,  who  has  proved  Himself  an  all-sufficient  Helper.  A 
heavy  cloud  passed  over — but  fears  now  arise  for  my  spiritual 
preservation  ;  and  my  desire  is  great,  in  word  and  in  deed,  to 
be  enabled  to  testify  of  the  gracious  goodness  of  my  Holy 
Helper.  Family  cares  also  come  upon  me,  which  my  great 
weakness  hardly  knows  how  to  encounter.  The  remembrance 
of  my  little  Betsy  has  been  very  present  with  me,  by  night 
and  by  day.  Be  Thou  pleased,  0  Lord  God  Almighty  !  yet 
to  look  down  upon  us,  and  bless  us ;  and  if  Thou  seest  meet, 
to  bless  our  loved  infant,  to  visit  it  by  Thy  grace,  and  Thy 
love ;  that  it  may  be  Thine  in  time,  and  Thine  to  all  eternity : 
we  desire  to  thank  Thee  for  the  precious  gift.  I  have  also 
had  a  fresh  trial  in  the  dangerous  illness  of  my  beloved 
brother,  Daniel,  since  his  return  from  the  Continent. 

In  the  Sixth  Month,  her  children  went  to  Pakefield,  for 
the  benefit  of  sea  air,  where  they  were  under  the  care  of 
their  aunt  Cunningham.  Their  parents  followed  them,  and 
for  a  short  period  remained  with  them.  It  was  a  new  posi- 
tion for  her  to  be  the  guest  of  an  active,  devoted  clergyman, 
and  that  clergyman  her  brother-in-law.  She  remained  some 
weeks  in  Norfolk,  and  at  last  returned  without  her  four  elder 
children.  Joseph  and  Elizabeth  Fry  had  determined  upon 
passing  the  ensuing  winter  in  London,  a  situation  in  many 
respects  so  disadvantageous  for  her  daughters,  that  she  left 
them  with  her  beloved  relatives.  She  deeply  felt  their  being 
thrown  among  those  who  were  not  Friends,  but  the  advan- 
tages of  the  wise  care  and  oversight  of  her  sister  Rachel 


230  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1816. 

Gurney,  and  the  privilege  of  associating  with  the  brother 
who  invited  them  to  be  his  guests,  overcame  her  objections. 
Her  boys  remained  at  Earlham  till  near  the  close  of  the 
year,  when  their  parents  had  arranged  to  send  them  to 
school ;  her  two  children,  the  next  in  age,  became  inmates 
with  their  uncle  and  aunt,  Samuel  and  Elizabeth  Guruey, 
and  joined  the  school-room  party  at  Ham  House. 

Earlham,  Sixth.  Month,  Zlth. — Much  has  passed  since 
writing  the  above, — dear  John  Hull's  death,  a  matter  of  real 
importance  to  me, — the  children  all  gone  to  the  sea-side, 
except  the  baby — but  home  was  sweet  to  me,  though  much 
hurried  by  business  there.  We  attended  Barking  Meeting, 
to  visit  the  grave  of  our  beloved  little  Betsy :  it  brought  many 
tears,  but  I  afresh  remembered  she  was  not  there,  but  is 
indeed  utterly  gone  from  this  transitory  scene.  I  often  pant 
after  a  resting-place  with  her — may  it  in  due  season  be  granted 
me,  but  I  also,  at  present,  feel  strongly  tied  and  attached  to 
life,  and  have  much  to  endear  it  to  me. 

Seventh  Month,  4th. — I  have  been  at  Pakefield  with  my 
beloved  brother  and  sister ;  my  soul  has  travailed  much  in  the 
deeps,  on  many  accounts ;  more  particularly  while  with  them, 
that  in  keeping  to  our  scruples  respecting  prayer,  &c.,  &c., 
the  right  thing  might  be  hurt  in  no  mind.  Words  fall  very 
short  of  expression,  of  how  much  my  spirit  is  overwhelmed 
within  me  for  us  all :  our  situation  is  very  peculiar,  surrounded 
as  we  are  with  those  of  various  sentiments,  and  yet,  I  humbly 
trust,  each  seeking  the  right  way ;  to  have  a  clergyman  for 
a  brother,  is  very  different  to  having  one  for  a  friend ;  a  much 
closer  tie,  and  a  still  stronger  call,  for  the  sake  of  preserving 
sweet  unity  of  spirit,  to  meet  him  as  far  as  we  can,  to  offend 
as  little  as  possible  by  our  scruples,  and  yet,  for  the  sake 
of  others,  as  well  as  ourselves,  faithfully  to  maintain  our 
ground,  and  to  keep  very  close  to  that  which  can  alone  direct 
aright. 


1816.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY. 

This  letter  to  her  two  eldest  daughters,  Katherine  and 
Rachel,  was  written  after  her  almost  solitary  return  to 
Plashet. 

Plashet,  Ninth  Month,  1816,  Evening. 
My  dearest  Girls, 

After  drinking  tea  alone  in  your  father's  little  dressing- 
room,  and  taking  a  solitary  walk,  and  sitting  in  the  rustic 
portico  at  the  end  of  the  green  walk,  I  am  come  to  write  to 
you,  as  I  cannot  have  your  company.  Only  think !  this 
evening  I  have  neither  husband  nor  child  to  speak  to,  little 
Hannah  being  gone  to  tea  at  the  Cottage.  I  found  it  even 
pleasant  to  go  and  stand  by  poor  old  Isaac  and  the  horse, 
and  the  cows  and  sheep  in  the  field,  that  I  might  see  some 
living  thing  to  enliven  poor  Plashet.  The  grounds  look 
sweetly,  but  the  cherry  tree  by  the  dining-room  window  is 
cut  down,  which  I  think  quite  a  loss.  The  poor  little  school 
children,  when  I  see  them,  look  very  smiling  at  me,  and  I 
suppose  fancy  they  will  soon  see  you  home.  Poor  Jones's 
little  boy  is  still  living ;  such  an  object  of  skin  and  bone 
I  have  hardly  ever  seen.  I  fear  she  is  greatly  distressed. 
Our  house  looks  charmingly,  as  far  as  I  think  a  house  can — 
so  clean,  neat  and  lively — but  it  wants  its  inhabitants  very 
much. 

Your  most  nearly  attached  mother, 

E.  F. 

Early  in  the  Twelfth  Month,  Elizabeth  Fry  went  into  Nor- 
folk, in  consequence  of  heavy  affliction  befalling  the  family 
of  her  uncle  Joseph  Gurney,  in  the  death  of  Joseph,  his  only 
surviving  son.  She  staid  at  Earlham,  where  her  two  eldest 
boys,  under  the  care  of  their  aunts,  were  pursuing  their 
education.  She  then  visited  her  brother  Daniel  Gurnoy  at 
North  Runcton,  with  whom  her  daughters  were  residing. 
Whilst  conscious  of  the  literary  advantages  enjoyed  by  her 
children,  she  feared  the  probable  effect  of  their  circum- 
stances, and  of  the  influences  to  which  they  were  subjected. 


232  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1817. 

Mildred's  Court,  Twelfth  Month,  13th. — I  returned  yester- 
day from  attending  poor  dear  Joseph's  funeral  at  Norwich, 
the  son  of  my  uncle  Joseph  Gurney.  I  have  gone  through 
a  good  deal,  what  with  mourning  with  the  mourners,  the 
ministry,  &c.,  &c.  I  think  I  was,  in  this  respect,  at  the  fu- 
neral, helped  by  the  Spirit  and  the  Power  that  we  cannot 
command ;  though  I  left  Earlham  with  a  burdened  mind, 
not  having  any,  apparently,  suitable  opportunity  for  relief, 
hurrying  away,  to  my  feelings  prematurely,  of  which  I  find 
even  the  remembrance  painful ;  my  sweet  dear  girls  and 
boys  I  much  feel  again  leaving,  seeing  their  critical  age  and 
state.  What  I  feel  for  the  children  I  cannot  describe.  Oh  ! 
may  they  be  sheltered  under  the  great  Almighty  wing,  so  as 
not  to  go  greatly  astray. 

First  Month,  !«?,  1817,  Evening. — This  has  been  rather  a 
favoured  day,  the  commencement  of  another  year, — so  far 
sweet  and  easy,  and  enabled  to  commend  us  and  ours  to  the 
best  keeping,  which  brought  consolation  and  comfort  with  it. 
Afterwards,  a  very  comfortable  Meeting  at  Gracechurch- 
street ;  indeed  it  is  like  being  at  home  returning  there,  and 
I  cannot  but  hope  that  I  am  here  in  my  right  place. 

Second  Month,  \Sth. — I  yesterday  left  my  dearest  boys, 
John  and  Willy,  at  Josiah  Forster's  school ;  it  has  been  a 
very  important  step  to  take,  but  I  trust  it  is  a  right  one,  as 
we  could  not  comfortably  see  any  other  opening  for  them. 
I  was  enabled  to  commend  them  in  supplication  to  the  Lord 
for  His  blessing  and  providential  care.  It  is,  indeed,  a 
very  serious  thing  to  me,  thus  permitting  them  to  enter  the 
world  and  its  temptations,  for  so  I  feel  it;  it  caused  me 
great  lowness  at  first,  but  afterwards,  having  committed 
them  to  the  best  keeping,  my  soul  was  much  comforted  and 
refreshed,  and  much  enlarged  in  love  towards  them,  as  well 
as  the  kind  friends  whose  house  I  was  at.  Oh  may  it  please 
Almighty  Wisdom  to  bless  the  boys,  and  keep  them  by  His 
own  preserving  power  from  any  great  sin,  and  may  He 
pardon  the  follies  of  their  youth ! 


1817.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  233 

She  wrote,  and  gave  to  each  of  these  sons,  some  "  Rules 
for  their  strict  observance  while  at  school,"  from  which  the 
following  excellent  precepts  are  selected  : — 

"  I  advise  thy  faithfully  maintaining  thy  principles,  and 
doing  thy  duty ;  I  would  have  thee  be  very  careful  of  either 
judging  or  reproving  others ;  for  it  takes  a  long  time  to  get 
the  beam  out  of  our  own  eye,  before  we  can  see  clearly  to 
take  the  mote  out  of  our  brother's  eye.  There  is,  for  one 
young  in  years,  much  greater  safety  in  preaching  to  others 
by  example  than  in  word  ;  or  doing  what  is  done  in  an  up- 
right, manly  spirit,  unto  the  Lord,  and  not  unto  man.  I 
have  observed  a  want  of  strict  integrity  in  school-boys,  as  it 
respects  their  schoolmasters  and  teachers,  a  disposition  to 
cheat  them,  to  do  that  behind  their  backs  which  they  would 
not  do  before  their  faces  ;  and  so  having  two  faces.  Now 
this  is  a  subject  of  the  utmost  importance — maintain  truth 
and  strict  integrity  upon  all  points.  Be  not  double-mind- 
ed in  any  degree,  but  faithfully  maintain,  not  only  the  up- 
right principle  on  religious  grounds,  but  also  the  brightest 
honour  according  even  to  the  maxims  of  the  world." 

Three  years  had  now  elapsed  since  Elizabeth  Fry  first  visit- 
ed Newgate ;  but  her  spirit  had,  from  time  to  time,  been 
led  into  deep  and  solemn  feeling  on  account  of  the  degraded 
inmates  of  that  prison  :  and  a  conviction  became  gradu- 
ally impressed  on  her  mind  that  she  was  required  by  Him, 
to  whose  service  she  had  been  enabled  to  dedicate  herself, 
as  an  unquenched  coal  on  His  sacred  altar,  to  labour,  as  He 
wight  see  meet  to  open  her  way  and  to  direct  her  steps,  for 
the  moral  reformation,  and  above  all,  for  the  spiritual  con- 
version and  help,  of  the  most  depraved  and  miserable  of 
her  sex.  Nothing  but  the  constraining  love  of  Christ,  could 
hive  induced  this  tender  and  delicate  woman  thus  to  surrender 
domestic  comfort  and  personal  ease,  and  even  to  risk  her 
own  reputation,  to  follow  what  she  believed  to  be  the  call 
of  her  Divine  Master,  leading  her  into  labours  most 
arduous  and  pairs  fill,  from  which  l;cr  n;ilure  recoiltd 


234  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1817. 

with  dread.  Yet  was  the  unction  of  holy  love  60 
abundantly  poured  out  upon  her  spirit,  that  she  wil- 
lingly yielded  to  the  appointment  of  that  compassionate 
Saviour,  who,  through  her  instrumentality,  was  thus  gra- 
ciously extending  His  hand  of  mercy,  in  order  to  rescue 
from  the  pit  of  destruction,  those  who  were  sunk  in  vice  and 
wretchedness. 

The  course,  which  was  henceforth  to  be  marked  out  for 
Elizabeth  Fry,  was  a  very  remarkable  and  peculiar  one,  little 
anticipated  either  by  herself,  or  by  others  ;  but  it  was  emi- 
nently blessed  to  the  arousing  of  many  from  the  sleep  of  sin, 
to  the  encouraging  and  strengthening  of  fellow-disciples  of 
the  same  Lord,  and  to  the  exaltation  of  His  holy  name. 

Mildred's  Court,  Second  Month,  24nth. — I  have  lately  been 
much  occupied  in  forming  a  school  in  Newgate,  for  the 
children  of  the  poor  prisoners,  as  well  as  the  young  criminals, 
which  has  brought  much  peace  and  satisfaction  with  it ;  but 
my  mind  has  also  been  deeply  affected,  in  attending  a  poor 
woman  who  was  executed  this  morning.  I  visited  her  twice  ; 
this  event  has  brought  me  into  much  feeling,  attended  by 
some  distressingly  nervous  sensations  in  the  night,  so  that 
this  has  been  a  time  of  deep  humiliation  to  me,  thus  wit- 
nessing the  effect  and  consequences  of  sin.  This  poor 
creature  murdered  her  baby  ;  and  how  inexpressibly  awful 
now  to  have  her  life  taken  away  !  The  whole  affair  has  been 
truly  afflicting  to  me ;  to  see  what  poor  mortals  may  be  driven 
to,  through  sin  and  transgression,  and  how  hard  the  heart 
becomes,  even  to  the  most  tender  affections.  How  should 
we  watch  and  pray,  that  we  fall  not  by  little  and  little, 
become  hardened,  and  commit  greater  sins.  I  had  to  pray 
for  these  poor  sinners  this  morning,  and  also  for  the  preserva- 
tion of  our  household  from  the  evil  there  is  in  the  world. 

Extract  from  a  letter  to  her  sister  Rachel  Gurney  : — 

Mildred's  Court,  Third  Month,  10th  and  llth. 
My  heart,  and  mind,  and  time,  are  very  much  engaged  in 
various  ways.     Newgate  is  a  principal  object,  nnd  I  think 


1817.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH     FRY.  235 

until  I  make  some  attempt  at  amendment  in  the  plans  for  the 
•women,  I  shall  not  feel  easy ;  but  if  such  efforts  should  prove 
unsuccessful,  I  think  that  I  should  then  have  tried  to  do  my 
part,  and  be  easy.  My  own  Monthly  Meeting,  though  absent 
from  it,  is  rather  a  weight,  and  Gracechurch-street  I  am  also 
much  interested  about.  I  have  gone,  besides,  to  only  one 
London  Meeting,  all  the  time  that  I  have  been  here.  The 
poor  occupy  me  little  more  than  at  the  door — as  I  cannot  go 
after  them  with  my  other  engagements ;  the  hanging  at 
Newgate  does  not  overcome  me  as  it  did  at  first,  and  I  have 
only  attended  one  woman  since  the  first.  I  see  and  feel  the 
necessity  of  caution  in  this  respect,  and  mean  to  be  on  my 
guard  about  it,  and  run  no  undue  risk  with  myself. 

I  have  felt,  in  thy  taking  care  of  my  dearest  girls,  that  thou 
art  helping  me  to  get  on  with  some  of  these  important  objects, 
that  I  could  not  well  have  attended  to,  if  I  had  had  all  my 
dear  flock  around  me. 

From  the  notice  before  inserted,  of  the  visit  paid  to  the 
prisoners  in  Newgate,  by  Elizabeth  Fry  and  Anna  Buxton  in 
1813,  the  reader  will  be  prepared  for  a  report  of  the  disgrace- 
ful state  in  which  many  of  the  prisons  of  the  British  empire 
were  found,  thirty  years  ago.  We  naturally  seek  to  account 
for  the  continuance  of  so  crying  an  evil. 

That  the  sceptical  philosophy  which  prevailed  towards  the 
end  of  the  last  century,  was  unfavourable  to  questions  of 
moral  and  religious  reform,  we  cannot  doubt.  Whether  the 
startling  events  of  the  French  Revolution — the  tremendous 
wars  that  followed  it — the  rise  and  fall  of  empires — had  so 
engrossed  the  attention  and  drained  the  resources  of  the 
English  nation,  that  improvement  at  home  was  neglected  ;  or 
whether  looking  to  a  still  deeper  source,  it  may  be  attributed 
to  that  tendency  to  degenerate,  inherent  in  all  human  insti- 
tutions, the  fact  is  indisputable.  Howard,  and  his  humane 
exertions,  appear  to  have  been  forgotten,  and  Acts  of  Parlia- 
ment- to  have  become  a  dead  letter :  some,  if  not  all  the 


236  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1817. 

provisions  of  those  acts,  being,  in  the  vast  majority  of  gaols, 
openly  violated.  For  Counties  as  well  as  Boroughs,  an  old 
gate-house,  or  the  ancient  feudal  castle,  with  its  dungeons, 
its  damp,  close  and  narrow  cells,  and  its  windows  overlooking 
the  street,  often  formed  the  common  prison  of  oifenders  of 
either  sex,  and  of  all  grades  of  crime.  The  danger  of  escape 
was  provided  against,  by4heavy  irons  and  fetters.  Dirt  and 
disease  abounded  :  and  even  where  the  building  contained 
wards  and  yards,  the  women  were  imperfectly  separated  from 
the  men,  whilst  idleness,  gambling,  drinking,  and  swearing, 
were  habitual  amongst  them.  These  evils  were  magnified  by 
the  crowded  state  of  the  prisons  ;  for  crime  had  enormously 
increased,  and  convictions  more  than  doubled  within  the 
ten  preceding  years.  Of  the  prisons  for  the  counties,  those 
of  Bury,  Hchester,  Gloucester,  with  a  few  others,  formed 
honourable  exceptions  to  the  general  rule  ;  and  in  the 
Metropolis,  the  Penitentiary  at  Millbank,  which  had  been 
recently  erected. 

The  moral  contamination  produced  by  the  disorderly  state 
of  prisons,  was  beginning  to  be  perceived,  and  the  necessity 
for  stricter  discipline  and  better  regulations,  to  be  ac- 
knowledged. 

In  the  United  States  of  America,  and  in  a  few  instances  on 
the  continent  of  Europe,  the  experiment  had  been  tried,  and 
with  such  success  as  to  establish  the  principle,  that  classifi- 
cation, employment,  and  instruction  tended  to  the  reformation 
of  the  criminal,  and  to  the  decrease  of  crime.  A  deputation 
of  the  Gaol  Committee  of  the  Corporation  of  London,  was 
appointed  in  1815,  to  visit  several  gaols  in  England,  especially 
that  of  Gloucester,  with  a  view  to  the  amelioration  of  those 
under  their  own  jurisdiction.  From  this  resulted  some 
improvements  in  Newgate.  The  women,  from  that  time 
occupied  the  whole  of  the  quadrangle,  now  called  the 
women's  side;"  including  what  were  formerly  the  state 
apartments :  mats  were  provided  for  them  to  sleep  on.  Double 
gratings,  with  a  space  between,  were  placed  to  prevent  close 


1817.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  237 

communication  with  their  visitors,  who  were  of  both  sexes, 
and  many  of  them  as  vile  and  as  desperate  as  themselves ; 
but  to  overcome  the  difficulty  thus  presented,  in  receiving 
the  contributions  of  those  whose  curiosity  brought  them  to 
the  spot,  wooden  spoons  fastened  to  long  sticks  were  con- 
trived by  the  prisoners,  and  thrust  across  the  intervening 
space.  Notwithstanding  these  improvements,  they  remained 
in  an  unchecked  condition  of  idleness,  riot,  and  vice  of 
every  description.  They  were  of  the  lowest  sort — the  very 
scum  both  of  the  town  and  country — filthy  in  their  persons, 
disgusting  in  their  habits,  and  ignorant,  not  only  of  religious 
truth,  but  of  the  most  familiar  duties  of  common  life. 

At  the  suggestion  of  her  brother-in-law,  the  late  Samuel 
Hoare,  Elizabeth  Fry  had,  in  the  interval  between  1813  and 
1816,  accompanied  him  on  a  visit  to  the  women  in  Cold- 
Bath-Fields  House  of  Correction,  whose  neglected  state  had 
much  impressed  him.  S.  Hoare,  with  another  of  her  brothers- 
in-law,  (the  late  Sir  T.  F.  Buxton,)  and  some  of  her  personal 
friends,  were,  at  this  time,  occupied  in  forming  a  society  for 
the  reformation  of  the  juvenile  depredators,  who  infested 
London,  in  gangs.  This  object  led  them  into  different  prisons, 
where  their  attention  was  soon  attracted  to  the  subject  of 
prison  discipline.  Although  not  originating  in  this  cause,  it 
may  be  presumed,  that  the  conversation  and  influence  of 
these  gentlemen  would  tend  to  keep  alive  in  the  mind  of 
Elizabeth  Fry,  the  interest,  awakened  in  1813,  for  the  female 
prisoners  in  Newgate.  As  in  that  instance,  so  at  this  time, 
her  journal  fails  to  convey  any  explicit  information  respect- 
ing her  visits  there.  We  are  indebted  to  other  sources  for 
the  fact,  that  they  were  recommenced  about  the  close  of  the 
year  1816. 

On  her  second  visit,  she  was  at  her  own  request,  left  alone 
amongst  the  women  for  some  hours ;  and  on  that  occasion, 
Bhe  read  to  them  the  parable  of  the  Lord  of  the  vineyard, 
in  the  20th  chapter  of  Matthew,  and  made  a  few  observa- 
tions on  the  eleventh  hour,  and  on  Christ  having  come  to 


238  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1817. 

save  sinners,  even  those  who  might  be  said  to  have  wasted 
the  greater  part  of  their  lives  estranged  from  Him.  Some 
asked  who  Christ  was ;  others  feared  that  their  day  of  salva- 
tion was  passed. 

Their  children,  who  were  almost  naked,  were  pining  for 
want  of  proper  food,  air,  and  exercise.  Elizabeth  Fry,  on 
this  occasion,  particularly  addressed  herself  to  the  mothers, 
and  pointed  out  to  them  the  grievous  consequences  to  their 
children,  of  living  in  such  a  scene  of  depravity ;  she  pro- 
posed to  establish  a  school  for  them,  to  which  they  acceded 
with  tears  of  joy.  She  desired  them  to  consider  the  plan, 
for  without  their  steady  co-operation,  she  would  not  under- 
take it ;  leaving  it  to  them  to  select  a  governess  from  amongst 
themselves.  On  her  next  visit,  they  had  chosen  as  school- 
mistress, a  young  woman,  named  Mary  Connor,  recently  com- 
mitted for  stealing  a  watch.  She  proved  eminently  qualified 
for  the  task,  and  became  one  of  the  first-fruits  of  Christian 
labour  in  that  place ;  she  was  assiduous  in  her  duties,  and 
was  never  known  to  infringe  one  of  the  rules.  A  free  pardon 
was  granted  her  about  fifteen  months  afterwards;  but  it 
proved  an  unavailing  gift,  for  a  cough,  which  had  attacked 
her  a  short  time  before,  ended  in  consumption.  >  She  dis- 
played, during  her  illness,  much  patience  and  quietness  of 
spirit ;  having,  as  she  humbly  believed,  obtained  pardon  and 
peace,  through  our  Lord  and  Saviour.  She  died  in  the  hope 
of  a  blessed  immortalityt 

Elizabeth  Fry's  views  were  received  with  cordial  appro- 
bation, by  the  Sheriffs  of  London,  the  Ordinary,  and  the 
Governor  of  Newgate  ;  although  they  looked  upon  the  expe- 
riment as  almost  hopeless.  An  unoccupied  cell  was,  by  their 
permission,  appropriated  for  the  school-room.  On  the  day 
following  this  arrangement,  she  went  to  the  prison  accom- 
panied by  her  friend,  Mary  Sanderson,  (afterwards  the  wife 
of  Sylvanus  Fox,)  and  (with  the  poor  prisoner  Mary  Connor, 
as  mistress,)  opened  the  school,  for  the  children  and  young 
persons  under  twenty-five  years  of  age ;  but  from  the  small 


1817.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PET.  239 

size  of  the  room,  they  had  the  pain  of  being  obliged  to 
refuse  admission  to  many  of  the  women,  who  earnestly  en- 
treated to  be  allowed  to  share  in  their  instructions.  Mary 
Sanderson  then  visited  a  prison  for  the  first  time,  and  her 
feelings  were  thus  described  by  herself  to  Sir  T.  F.  Buxton: — 

"The  railing  was  crowded  with  half-naked  women,  strug- 
gling together  for  the  front  situations,  with  the  most  boisterous 
violence,  and  begging  with  the  utmost  vociferation.  She  felt 
as  if  she  were  going  into  a  den  of  wild  beasts,  and  she  well 
recollects  quite  shuddering  when  the  door  closed  upon  her, 
and  she  was  locked  in  with  such  a  herd  of  novel  and  desperate 
companions." 

Something  similar  must  have  been  the  effect  on  that  faith- 
ful co-adjutor  in  this  work,  Elizabeth  Pryor,  at  rather  a  later 
period,  upon  seeing  the  women,  "squalid  in  attire,  and 
ferocious  in  countenance,  seated  about  the  yard."  From  the 
prison  door  one  issued,  "yelling  like  a  wild  beast;"  she 
rushed  round  the  area,  with  her  arm  extended,  tearing 
everything  of  the  nature  of  a  cap  from  the  heads  of  the 
other  women.  The  sequel  too  is  important :  for  this  very 
woman,  through  the  grace  and  mercy  of  God,  became  hu- 
manized under  the  instruction  of  these  Christian  visitors. 
After  having  obtained  her  liberty,  she  married ;  and  for 
years  came  occasionally  to  see  Elizabeth  Pryor,  who  con- 
sidered her  a  well-conducted  person,  her  appearance  being 
always  most  respectable. 

A  few  other  ladies  gradually  united  themselves  to  those 
already  engaged  in  the  work,  and  the  little  school  in  the  cell 
of  Newgate  continued,  for  many  weeks,  their  daily  occupa- 
tion. 

"It  was  in  our  visits  to  the  school,  where  some  of  us  at- 
tended almost  every  day,  that  we  were  witnesses  to  the 
dreadful  proceedings  that  went  forward,  on  the  female  side 


240  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1817. 

of  the  prison ;  the  begging,  swearing,  gaming,  fighting,  sing- 
ing, dancing,  dressing-up  in  men's  clothes ;  scenes  too  bad 
to  be  described,  so  that  we  did  not  think  it  suitable  to  admit 
young  persons  with  us."* 

The  visitors  thought  some  of  the  existing  evils  could  be 
remedied  by  proper  regulations  ;  but  in  the  commencement 
of  the  undertaking,  the  reformation  of  the  women,  sunk  as 
they  were  in  every  species  of  depravity,  was  scarcely  thought 
of,  much  less  anticipated.  By  degrees,  however,  the  heroic 
little  band  became  convinced  that  good  might  be  effected, 
even  amongst  these,  for  intercourse  with  the  prisoners  had 
inspired  them  with  confidence.  The  poor  women  were 
earnest  in  their  entreaties,  not  to  be  excluded  from  the 
benefits,  which  they  began  to  perceive  would  result  to 
themselves,  from  improved  habits.  But  whilst  Elizabeth 
Fry  and  her  fellow-labourers  were  thus  encouraged  on  the 
one  side,  every  sort  of  discouragement  presented  itself  on 
the  other.  The  officers  of  the  prison,  as  well  as  the  private 
friends  of  the  visitors,  treated  the  idea  of  introducing  industry 
and  order  into  Newgate,  as  visionary.  Even  some,  who  were 
most  interested  in  the  attempt,  apprehended  that  it  would 
fail,  from  the  character  of  those  for  whose  good  it  was  in- 
tended, from  the  unfavourable  locality,  in  the  midst  of  a 
great  metropolis ;  and  from  the  difficulty  of  obtaining  a 
sufficiency  of  labourers  for  such  a  work.  It  was  also  urged 
that,  even  if  employment  could  be  procured,  the  necessary 
materials  for  work  would  be  destroyed,  or  stolen.  In  recall- 
ing this  period,  one  of  those  engaged  in  it,  thus  writes : 
"  But  amidst  these  discouraging  views,  our  benevolent  friend 
evinced  that  her  heart  was  fixed ;  and  trusting  in  the  Lord, 
she  commenced  her  work  of  faith  and  labour  of  love." 

How  aptly  did  the  poet  Crabbe,  in  reference  to  this  under- 
taking, describe  Elizabeth  Fry — 

*  Elizabeth  Fry's  evidence  before  the  House  of  Commons. 


1817.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  241 

One,  I  beheld  !  a  wife,  a  mother,  go 

To  gloomy  scenes  of  wickedness  and  woe ; 

She  sought  her  way  through  all  things  vile  and  base 

And  made  a  prison  a  religious  place : 

Fighting  her  way — the  way  that  angels  fight 

With  powers  of  darkness — to  let  in  the  light. 

Yet  she  is  tender,  delicate  and  nice, 

And  shrinks  from  all  depravity  and  vice ; 

Shrinks  from  the  ruffian  gaze,  the  savage  gloom, 

That  reign  where  guilt  and  misery  find  a  home : 

Guilt  chained,  and  misery  purchased,  and  with  them 

All  we  abhor,  abominate,  condemn — 

The  look  of  scorn,  the  scowl,  th'  insulting  leer 

Of  shame,  all  fixed  on  her  who  ventures  here: 

Yet  all  she  braved ;  she  kept  her  steadfast  eye 

On  the  dear  cause,  and  brushed  the  baseness  by, — 

So  would  a  mother  press  her  darling  child 

Close  to  her  breast,  with  tainted  rags  defiled. 

Mildred's  Court,  Third  Month,  7th. — My  mind  and  time 
have  been  much  taken  up  with  Newgate  and  Its  concerns. 
I  have  been  encouraged  about  our  school,  but  I  find  my 
weak  nature  and  proneness  to  be  so  much  affected  by  the 
opinions  of  man,  brings  me  into  some  peculiar  trials  and 
temptations :  in  the  first  place,  our  Newgate  visiting  could 
no  longer  be  kept  secret,  which  I  endeavoured  that  it  should 
be,  and  therefore  I  am  exposed  to  praise  that  I  do  not  the 
least  deserve  ;  also  to  some  unpleasant  humiliations — for  in 
trying  to  obtain  helpers,  I  must  be  subject  to  their  various 
opinions ;  and  also,  being  obliged  to  confer  at  times  with 
strangers,  and  men  in  authority,  is  to  me  a  very  unpleasant 
necessity.  I  have  suffered  much  about  the  hanging  of  the 
criminals,  having  had  to  visit  another  poor  woman,  before 
her  death;  this  again  tried  me  a  good  deal,  but  I  was  per- 
mitted to  be  much  more  upheld,  and  not  so  distressed  as  the 
time  before.  May  I,  in  this  important  concern,  be  enabled 
to  keep  my  eye  singly  unto  the  Lord,  that  what  I  do  may  be 
done  heartily  unto  Him,  and  not,  in  any  degree,  unto  man. 
May  I  be  preserved  humble,  faithful,  and  persevering  in  it, 
81 


242  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    PBY.  [1817. 

so  far  as  it  is  right  to  persevere.  And  if  consistent  with  the 
Divine  will,  may  the  blessing  of  the  Most  High  attend  it, 
that  it  may  be  made  instrumental  in  drawing  some  out  of 
evil,  and  leading  and  establishing  them  in  the  way  everlast- 
ing, where  they  may  find  rest  and  peace. 

The  recurrence  of  these  distressing  scenes  impressed  on 
the  mind  of  Elizabeth  Fry  an  increasing  disapprobation  of 
the  dreadful  penalty  of  death.  She  often  visited  the  cells  of 
condemned  criminals  on  the  day  or  night  preceding  their 
execution  ;  she  marked  the  agony  of  some,  and  the  obduracy 
of  others,  and  she  traced  the  hardening  effect  of  such  punish- 
ments on  the  fellow-prisoners  of  the  sufferers,  as  well  as  on 
the  lower  orders  of  the  public  in  generaL 

With  what  self-sacrificing  love,  with  what  yearnings  of 
Divine  compassion,  did  she  encounter  circumstances  of  the 
most  appalling  character,  yielding  her  spirit  in  willing  sym- 
pathy with  the  utmost  depths  of  human  misery,  ministering 
to  the  wretched  victims  of  sin  a  word  of  hope,  pointing  to 
the  door  of  mercy,  opened  through  Jesus  Christ  to  every 
truly  penitent  soul.  Awfully  impressive  were  the  opportu- 
nities when,  in  the  gloomy  dungeon  of  the  condemned 
criminal,  her  prayers  were  poured  forth  in  fervent  solicitude, 
that  the  power  of  that  Almighty  Saviour,  who  "  was  manifested 
that  He  might  destroy  the  works  of  the  Devil,"  might  snatch 
even  these  brands  from  the  burning,  and  impart  ability  to 
look  upward  from  the  gulf  of  despair  to  the  Deliverer,  who 
"is  exalted  at  the  right  hand  of  God,  to  give  repentance  and 
remission  of  sins." 

The  woman  alluded  to  in  the  last  extract  from  the  journal, 
was  Elizabeth  Fricker ;  she  was  executed  for  robbing,  or 
being  accessory  to  robbing,  in  a  dwelling-house.  The  fol- 
lowing memorandum  was  written  by  Elizabeth  Fry,  Third 
Month,  4th,  1817,  the  day  preceding  the  execution. 

I  have  just  returned  from  a  most  melancholy  visit  to 
Newgate,  where  I  have  been  at  the  request  of  Elizabeth 


1817.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  243 

Fricker,  previous  to  her  execution  to-morrow  morning,  at 
eight  o'clock.  I  found  her  much  hurried,  distressed,  and 
tormented  in  mind.  Her  hands  cold,  and  covered  with 
something  like  the  perspiration  preceding  death,  and  in  an 
universal  tremour.  The  women  who  were  with  her,  said  she 
had  been  so  outrageous  before  our  going,  that  they  thought 
a  man  must  be  sent  for  to  manage  her.  However,  after  a 
serious  time  with  her,  her  troubled  soul  became  calmed.  But 
is  it  for  man  thus  to  take  the  prerogative  of  the  Almighty  into 
his  own  hands  ?  Is  it  not  his  place  rather  to  endeavour  to 
reform  such  ;  or  restrain  them  from  the  commission  of  further 
evil  ?  At  least  to  afford  poor,  erring,  fellow-mortals,  whatever 
may  be  their  offences,  an  opportunity  of  proving  their  repent- 
ance, by  amendment  of  life.  Besides  this  poor  young  woman, 
there  are  also  six  men  to  be  hanged,  one  of  whom  has  a  wife 
near  her  confinement,  also  condemned,  and  seven  young 
children.  Since  the  awful  report  came  down,  he  has  become 
quite  mad  from  horror  of  mind.  A  strait  waistcoat  could  not 
keep  him  within  bounds — he  had  just  bitten  the  turnkey  ;  I 
saw  the  man  come  out  with  his  hand  bleeding,  as  I  passed 
the  cell.  I  hear  that  another,  who  had  been  tolerably 
educated  and  brought  up,  was  doing  all  he  could  to  harden 
himself,  through  unbelief,  trying  to  convince  himself  that 
religious  truths  were  idle  tales.  In  this  endeavour,  he 
appeared  to  have  been  too  successful  with  several  of  his 
fellow-sufferers.  He  sent  to  beg  for  a  bottle  of  wine,  no 
doubt  in  the  hope  of  drowning  his  misery,  and  the  fears  that 
would  arise,  by  a  degree  of  intoxication.  I  inquired  no 
further,  I  had  seen  and  heard  enough. 

In  a  published  letter,  by  "  the  Honourable  II.  G.  Ben- 
nett," addressed  to  the  Common  Council  and  Livery  of 
London,  on  the  abuses  existing  in  Newgate,  he  says,  in  allu- 
sion to  Fricker's  case  : — 

"  A  man,  by  the  name  of  Kelly,  who  was  executed  some 
weeks  back  for  robbing  a  house,  counteracted  by  his  conversa- 


244  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1817. 

tion,  and  by  the  jest  he  made  of  all  religious  feelings,  the 
labour  of  Dr.  Cotton  to  produce  repentance  and  remorse 
amongst  the  prisoners  in  the  cells ;  and  he  died  as  he  lived, 
hardened  and  unrepenting.  He  sent  to  me  the  day  before 
his  execution  ;  and  when  I  saw  him,  he  maintained  the 
innocence  of  the  woman  convicted  with  him,  asserting,  that 
not  Fricker,  but  a  boy  concealed,  opened  the  door,  and  let 
him  into  the  house.  When  I  pressed  him  to  tell  me  the  name 
of  the  parties  concerned,  whereby  to  save  the  woman's  life, 
he  declined  complying  without  a  promise  of  pardon ;  I  urged 
as  strongly  as  I  could,  the  crime  of  suffering  an  innocent 
woman  to  be  executed  to  screen  criminal  accomplices ;  but  it 
was  all  to  no  effect,  and  he  suffered,  maintaining  to  the  last 
the  same  story.  With  him  was  executed  a  boy  of  nineteen 
or  twenty  years  of  age,  whose  fears  and  remorse  Kelly  was 
constantly  ridiculing." 

Mildred's  Court,  Third  Month,  llth. — My  mind  too  much 
tossed  by  a  variety  of  interests  and  duties— husband,  children, 
household,  accounts,  Meetings,  the  Church,  near  relations, 
friends,  and  Newgate — most  of  these  things  press  a  good  deal 
upon  me.  I  hope  I  am  not  undertaking  too  much,  but  it  is 
a  little  like  being  in  the  whirlwind,  and  in  the  storm ;  may  I 
not  be  hurt  in  it,  but  enabled  quietly  to  perform  that  which 
ought  to  be  done ;  and  may  it  all  be  done  so  heartily  unto 
the  Lord,  and  through  the  assistance  of  His  grace,  that  if 
consistent  with  His  Holy  will,  His  blessing  may  attend  it, 
and  if  ever  any  good  be  done,  that  the  glory  of  the  whole 
work  may  be  given  where  it  is  alone  due. 

~L9th. — I  yesterday  applied  to  our  Monthly  Meeting  for 
liberty  to  join  William  Forster  in  paying  a  religious  visit  to 
the  families  of  Gracechurch-street  Meeting ;  I  think  I  had 
reason  to  be  encouraged,  from  the  solemn  covering  over  us, 
and  also  the  unity  expressed  by  Friends.  I  thought  it  a 
great  mercy  and  favour  to  have  the  unity  of  all ;  but  I  desire 
not  to  place  undue  dependence  even  on  this,  though  it  is 


1817.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  245 

sweet,  and  I  esteem  it  a  great  blessing  to  have  it.  My  dear 
sister  Elizabeth  was  particularly  favoured  in  what  she  said. 
If  permitted  to  enter  this  service,  may  the  Lord  be  with  us 
in  it,  and  bless  us.  I  have  not  at  present,  felt  much  bur- 
dened by  the  prospect ;  I  consider  it  an  honour,  favour,  and 
blessing,  to  be  engaged  in  the  service  of  our  great  Master, 
even  if  humiliations,  trials,  and  crosses  attend  it. 

20fA — Thou  Lord,  who  knowest  my  heart  and  my  wants, 
be  pleased  to  help  me  under  them;  also  permit  Thy  poor 
child  to  ask  Thee,  yet  to  look  down  upon  her  husband, 
children,  brothers,  and  sisters,  for  good,  upon  all  those  most 
near  and  dear  to  her,  and  particularly  those  who  are  in 
trial. 

Fourth  Month,  12th. — I  have  found,  in  my  late  attention 
to  Newgate,  a  peace  and  prosperity  in  the  undertaking,  that 
I  seldom,  if  ever,  remember  to  have  done  before.  A  way 
has  very  remarkably  been  opened  for  us,  beyond  all  expec- 
tation, to  bring  into  order  the  poor  prisoners ;  those  who  are 
in  power  are  so  very  willing  to  help  us  :  in  short,  the  time 
appears  come  to  work  amongst  them.  Already,  from  being 
like  wild  beasts,  they  appear  harmless  and  kind.  I  am  ready 
to  ssy,  in  the  fulness  of  my  heart,  surely,  "  it  is  the  Lord's 
doing,  and  marvellous  in  our  eyes ;"  so  many  are  the  provi- 
dential openings  of  various  kinds.  Oh !  if  good  should  result, 
may  the  praise  and  glory  of  the  whole,  be  entirely  given 
where  it  is  due,  by  us,  and  by  all,  in  deep  humiliation  and 
prostration  of  spirit. 

In  the  Fourth  Month,  1817,  the  wife  of  a  clergyman,  and 
eleven  members  of  the  Society  of  Friends,  formed  themselves 
into  "  An  Association  for  the  Improvement  of  the  Female 
Prisoners  in  Newgate."  The  object  they  had  in  view  is 
stated  to  have  been,  "  To  provide  for  the  clothing,  the  in- 
struction, and  the  employment  of  the  women  ;  to  introduce 
them  to  a  knowledge  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and  to  form  in 
them,  as  much  as  possible,  those  habits  of  order,  sobriety, 


246  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1817. 

and  industry,  which  may  render  them  docile  and  peaceable 
•whilst  in  prison,  and  respectable  when  they  leave  it."  On 
comparing  these  intentions  with  the  existing  state  of  things, 
it  is  easy  to  believe  that  the  scheme  was  viewed,  by  those 
in  authority,  as  very  desirable,  but  almost  impracticable. 
Still,  to  their  honour  be  it  spoken,  they  promised  and  gave 
their  warmest  co-operation. 

The  concurrence  of  the  sheriffs  and  city  magistrates  was 
asked  and  obtained.  But  the  doubt  still  remained,  how  far 
the  women  would  submit  to  the  restraints,  which  it  would  be 
needful  to  impose  upon  them,  in  order  to  effect  this  change. 
To  ascertain  this,  the  sheriffs  met  the  members  of  this 
"  Association  "  on  a  First-day  afternoon  at  Newgate ;  the 
women  were  assembled,  and  in  their  presence,  as  well  as  that 
of  the  ordinary  and  governor,  they  were  asked  by  Elizabeth 
Fry,  whether  they  were  willing  to  abide  by  the  rules,  which 
it  would  be  indispensable  to  establish  amongst  them,  for  the 
accomplishment  of  the  object  so  much  desired  by  them  all. 
The  women,  fully  and  unanimously,  assured  her  of  their 
determination  to  obey  them  strictly.  The  sheriffs  also  ad- 
dressed them,  giving  the  plan  the  countenance  of  their  ap- 
probation ;  and  then  turning  to  Elizabeth  Fry  and  her  compa- 
nions, one  of  them  said,  "  Well,  ladies,  you  see  your  materials." 

How  they  used  these  "materials,"  and  the  blessing  per- 
mitted to  attend  their  exertions,  is  demonstrated  by  a  letter 
received  in  1820,  from  one  of  the  prisoners,  who  had  shared 
in  the  benefit  of  this  earliest  attempt  to  reform  these  unhappy 
women.  The  writer,  as  will  be  perceived,  had  been  sent  as 
a  convict  to  New  South  Wales. 

To  MRS.  FRY. 

"  Paramatta,  New  South  Wales,  July  Wth,  1820. 
"  Honoured  Madam, 

"  The  duty  I  owe  to  you,  likewise  to  the  benevolent  So- 
ciety to  which  you  have  the  honour  to  belong,  compels  me 
to  take  up  my  pen  to  return  to  you  my  most  sincere  thanks. 


1817.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  247 

for  the  heavenly  instruction  I  derived  from  you  and  the  dear 
friends,  during  my  confinement  in  Newgate. 

"  In  the  month  of  April,  1817,  how  did  that  blessed  prayer 
of  yours  sink  into  my  heart ;  and,  as  you  said,  so  have  I 
found  it,  that  when  no  eyes  see,  and  no  ears  hear,  God  both 
sees  and  hears  ;  and  then  it  was  that  the  arrow  of  conviction 
entered  my  hard  heart ;  and  in  Newgate,  it  was  that  poor 

Harriet  S ,  like  the  prodigal  son,  came  to  herself,  and 

took  with  her  words,  and  sought  the  Lord ;  and  truly  can  I 

say  with  David,  '  Before  I  was  afflicted  I  went  astray,  but 

now  have  I   learned   Thy  ways,  0   Lord !'    and  although 

affliction  cometh  not  forth  of  the  dust,  yet  how  prone  have 

I  been  to  forget  God,  my  Maker  ;  who  can  give  songs  in  the 

night ;  and  happy  is  that  soul  that,  when  affliction  comes,  can 

say  with  Eli,  *  It  is  the  Lord,'  or  with  David,  '  I  was  dumb, 

and  I  opened  not  my  mouth,  because  thou  didst  it ;'  and  Job, 

when  stripped  of  every  comfort,  '  Blessed  be  the  Lord  who 

took  away,  as  well  as  gave ' — and  may  the  Lord  grant  every 

one  that  is  afflicted,  such  an  humble  spirit  as  their 's.    Believe 

me,  my  dear  madam,  I  bless  the  day  that  brought  me  inside 

of  Newgate  walls,  for  then  it  was  that  the  rays  of  Divine 

truth  shone  into  my  dark  mind;  and  may  the  Holy  Spirit 

shine  more  and  more  upon  my  dark  understanding,  that  I 

may  be  enabled  so  to  walk,  as  one  whose  heart  is  set  to  seek 

a  city  whose  builder  and  maker  is  God.     Believe  me,  my 

dear  madam,  although  I  am  a  poor  captive  in  a  distant  land, 

I  would  not  give  up  having  communion  with  God,  one  single 

day,  for  my  liberty ;  for  what  is  the  liberty  of  the  body, 

compared  with  the  liberty  of  the  soul  ?  and  soon  will  that 

time  come,  when  death  will  release  me  from  all  the  earthly 

fetters  that  hold  me  now,  for  I  trust  to  be  with  Christ,  who 

bought  me  with  his   precious  blood.     And  now,  my  dear 

madam,  these  few  sincere  sentiments  of  mine,  I  wish  you  to 

make  known  to  the  world,  that  the  world  may  see  that  your 

labour  in  Newgate  has  not  been  in  vain  in  the  Lord.     Please 

give  my  love  to  all  the  dear  friends,   and  Dr.  Cotton,  Mr. 


243  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1817. 

Baker,  Simpson  and  all,  the  keeper  of  Newgate,  and  all  tho 
afflicted  prisoners  ;  and  although  we  may  never  meet  on  earth 
again,  I  hope  we  shall  all  meet  in  the  realms  of  bliss,  never 
to  part  again.  Please  give  my  love  to  Mrs.  Stennett,  and 
Mrs.  Guy. 

"And  believe  me  to  remain, 

"  Your  humble  servant, 

"  HAIIRIET  S ." 

The  remainder  of  the  history  will  be  better  described  by 
an  extract  from  the  "  Enquiry  whether  crime  and  misery  are 
produced  or  prevented  by  our  present  system  of  Prison  Dis- 
cipline. By  T.  F.  Buxton." 

"  Having  succeeded  so  far,  the  next  business  was  to  provide 
employment.  It  struck  one  of  the  ladies,  that  Botany  Bay 
might  be  supplied  with  stockings,  and  indeed  all  articles  of 
clothing,  of  the  prisoners'  manufacture.  She,  therefore,  called 
upon  Messrs.  Richard  Dixon  and  Co.,  of  Fenchurch  Street, 
and  candidly  told  them,  that  she  was  desirous  of  depriving 
them  of  this  branch  of  their  trade,  and  stating  her  views 
begged  their  advice.  They  said  at  once,  that  they  should 
not  in  any  way  obstruct  such  laudable  designs,  and  that  no 
further  trouble  need  be  taken  to  provide  work  for  they  would 
engage  to  do  it.  Nothing  now  remained  but  to  prepare  the 
room  ;  and  this  difficulty  was  obviated,  by  the  sheriffs'  sending 
their  carpenters.  The  former  laundry  speedily  underwent 
the  necessary  alterations,  was  cleansed  and  white-washed, 
and,  in  a  very  few  days,  the  Ladies'  Committee  assembled  in 
it  all  the  tried  female  prisoners.  One  of  the  ladies,  Mrs.  Fry, 
began  by  describing  to  them  the  comforts  to  be  derived  from 
industry  and  sobriety,  the  pleasure  and  profit  of  doing  right; 
and  contrasted  the  happiness  and  peace  of  those  who  are 
dedicated  to  a  course  of  virtue  and  religion,  with  that  ex- 
perienced in  their  former  life,  and  its  present  consequences; 
and  describing  their  awful  guilt  in  the  sight  of  God,  appealed 


1817.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  249 

to  themselves,  whether  its  wages,  even  here,  were  not  utter 
misery  and  ruin.  She  then  dwelt  upon  the  motives  which 
had  brought  the  ladies  into  Newgate  ;  they  had  left  their 
homes  and  their  families,  to  mingle  amongst  those  from  whom 
all  others  fled  ;  animated  by  an  ardent  and  affectionate  desire 
to  rescue  their  fellow-creatures  from  evil,  and  to  impart  to 
them  that  knowledge,  which  they,  from  their  education  and 
circumstances,  had  been  so  happy  as  to  receive. 

"  She  then  told  them,  that  the  ladies  did  not  come  with 
any  absolute  and  authoritative  pretensions ;  that  it  was  not 
intended  they  should  command  and  the  prisoners  obey,  but 
that  it  was  to  be  understood,  all  were  to  act  in  concert ;  that 
not  a  rule  should  be  made,  or  a  monitor  appointed,  without 
their  full  and  unanimous  concurrence ;  that  for  this  purpose, 
each  of  the  rules  should  be  read  and  put  to  the  vote ;  and 
she  invited  those  who  might  feel  any  disinclination  to  any 
particular,  freely  to  state  their  opinion.  The  Rules  were 
then  read. 

"  And,  as  each  was  proposed,  every  hand  was  held  up  in 
token  of  their  approbation.  In  the  same  manner,  and  with 
the  same  formalities,  each  of  the  monitors  was  proposed,  and 
all  were  unanimously  approved.  When  this  business  was 
concluded,  one  of  the  visitors-  read  aloud  the  twenty-first 
chapter  of  St.  Matthew,  the  parable  of  the  barren  fig  tree, 
seeming  applicable  to  the  state  of  the  audience ;  after  a  pe- 
riod of  silence,  according  to  the  custom  of  the  Society  of 
Friends,  the  monitors,  with  their  classes,  withdrew  to  their 
respective  wards  in  the  most  orderly  manner.  During  the 
first  month,  the  ladies  were  anxious  that  the  attempt  should 
be  secret,  that  it  might  meet  with  no  interruption ;  at  the 
end  of  that  time,  as  the  experiment  had  been  tried,  and  had 
exceeded  even  their  expectations,  it  was  deemed  expedient  to 
apply  to  the  Corporation  of  London.  It  was  considered 
that  the  school  would  be  more  permanent,  if  it  were  made 
a  part  of  the  prison  system  of  the  City,  than  if  it  merely 
depended  on  individuals.  In  consequence,  a  short  letter, 
32 


250     .  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1817. 

descriptive  of  the  progress  already  made,  was  written  to  the 
sheriffs. 

"  The  next  day  an  answer  was  received,  proposing  a  meet- 
ing with  the  ladies  at  Newgate. 

"  In  compliance  with  this  appointment,  the  Lord  Mayor, 
the  Sheriffs,  and  several  of  the  Aldermen  attended.  The 
prisoners  were  assembled  together ;  and  it  being  requested 
that  no  alteration  in  their  usual  practice  might  take  place, 
one  of  the  ladies  read  a  chapter  in  the  Bible,  and  then  the 
females  proceeded  to  their  various  avocations.  .Their  atten- 
tion, during  the  time  of  reading,  their  orderly  and  sober  de- 
portment, their  decent  dress,  the  absence  of  everything  like 
tumult,  noise,  or  contention ;  the  obedience  and  respect 
shown  by  them,  and  the  cheerfulness  visible  in  their  counte- 
nance and  manners,  conspired  to  excite  the  astonishment 
and  admiration  of  their  visitors.  Many  of  these  knew  New- 
gate, had  visited  it  a  few  months  before,  and  had  not  forgot- 
ten the  painful  impressions  made  by  a  scene,  exhibiting, 
perhaps,  the  very  utmost  limits  of  misery  and  guilt. 

"  The  magistrates,  to  evince  their  sense  of  the  importance 
of  the  alterations  which  had  been  effected,  immediately 
adopted  the  whole  plan  as  a  part  of  the  system  of  Newgate, 
empowered  the  ladies  to  punish  the  refractory  by  short  con- 
finement, undertook  part  of  the  expense  of  the  matron,  and 
loaded  the  ladies  with  thanks  and  benedictions.  About  six 
months  after  the  establishment  of  a  school  for  the  children, 
and  the  manufactory  for  the  '  tried  side,'  the  committee  re- 
ceived a  most  urgent  petition  from  the  untried,  entreating 
that  the  same  might  be  done  among  them,  and  promising 
strict  obedience.  In  consequence,  the  ladies  made  the  same 
arrangements,  proposed  the  same  rules,  and  admitted,  in 
the  same  manner  as  on  the  other  side,  the  prisoners  to  par- 
ticipate in  their  formation.  The  experiment  has  here  an- 
swered, but  not  to  the  same  extent.  They  have  had  diffi- 
culty in  procuring  a  sufficiency  of  work,  the  prisoners  are 
not  so  disposed  to  work,  flattering  themselves  with  the  pros- 


1817.]  LI-PE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  251 

pect  of  speedy  release  ;  besides,  they  are  necessarily  en- 
gaged, in  some  degree,  in  preparation  for  their  trial.  The 
result  of  the  observations  of  the  ladies,  has  been,  that  where 
the  prisoners,  from  whatever  cause,  did  no  work,  they  de- 
rived little,  if  any,  moral  advantage ;  where  they  did  some 
work,  they  received  some  benefit,  and  where  they  were  fully 
engaged,  they  were  really  and  essentially  improved." 

A  gendeman  well  known  to  Elizabeth  Fry,  who  was  de- 
sirous of  seeing  and  judging  for  himself  of  the  effect  of 
this  singular  experiment,  visited  Newgate  just  one  fortnight 
after  the  adoption  of  the  new  rules.  We  give  his  own 
words. 

"  I  went  and  requested  permission  to  see  Mrs.  Fry,  which 
was  shortly  obtained,  and  I  was  conducted  by  a  turnkey  to 
the  entrance  of  the  women's  wards.  On  my  approach,  no 
loud  or  dissonant  sounds,  or  angry  voices,  indicated  that  I 
was  about  to  enter  a  place,  which  I  was  credibly  assured, 
had  long  had,  for  one  of  its  titles,  that  of  '  Hell  above 
ground.'  The  court-yard,  into  which  I  was  admitted,  in- 
stead of  being  peopled  with  beings  scarcely  human,  blas- 
pheming, fighting,  tearing  each  other's  hair,  or  gaming  with  a 
filthy  pack  of  cards  for  the  very  clothes  they  wore  (which  often 
did  not  suffice  even  for  decency)  presented  a  scene  where  still- 
ness and  propriety  reigned.  I  was  conducted  by  a  decently- 
dressed  person,  the  newly  appointed  yards-woman,  to  the 
door  of  a  ward,  where,  at  the  head  of  a  long  table  sat  a  lady 
belonging  to  the  Society  of  Friends.  She  was  reading  aloud 
to  about  sixteen  women  prisoners,  who  were  engaged  in 
needle  work  around  it.  Each  wore  a  clean-looking  blue 
apron  and  bib  ;  with  a  ticket,  having  a  number  on  it,  sus- 
pended from  her  neck  by  a  red  tape.  They  all  rose  on  my 
entrance,  curtsied  respectfully,  and  then  at  a  signal  given, 
resumed  their  seats  and  employments.  Instead  of  a  scowl, 
leer,  or  ill-suppressed  laugh,  I  observed  upon  their  counte 


252  LIFE    OP    ELIZABBTH    FEY.  [1817. 

nances  an  air  of  self-respect  and  gravity,  a  sort  of  consci- 
ousness of  their  improved  character,  and  the  altered  position 
in  which  they  were  placed.  I  afterwards  visited  the  other 
wards,  which  were  the  counterparts  of  the  first." 

Encouraged  by  many  concurring  circumstances,  the  newly 
formed  Ladies'  Committee,  now  for  the  first  time,  introduced 
a  matron  into  Newgate.  The  prisoners  were  divided  into 
classes,  and  placed  under  her  superintendence.  She  was 
eventually  paid  in  part  by  the  Corporation;  and  received  in 
addition  twenty  pounds  a-year  from  the  funds  of  the  "  Ladies' 
Association."  They  furnished  the  rooms  appropriated  to  her, 
and  she  was  regarded  as  their  servant.  The  yards-woman 
was  also  appointed  and  paid  by  them. 

Previous  to  the  appointment  of  the  matron,  and  until  she 
was  thoroughly  established  in  her  office,  some  of  the  visitors 
spent  the  whole  day  in  the  prison  amongst  the  women :  taking 
a  little  provision  for  themselves  in  a  basket,  or  remaining 
without  any ;  and  for  a  long  time  afterwards,  one  or  two  of 
them  never  failed  to  spend  some  hours  daily  in  this  important 
field  of  labour. 

From  the  manuscript  journal  of  one  of  their  number, 

Sophia  de  C ,  we  present  to  the  reader  some  extracts 

descriptive  of  this  period : — 

"Fifth  Month,  1st,  1817. — After  nearly  a  sleepless  night, 
spent  in  anticipation  of  the  scenes  of  the  morrow,  I  called  on 
Dorcas  Coventry,  who  had  promised  to  introduce  me  to 
inspect  the  important  labours  which  the  Ladies  of  the  Prison 
Committee  had  engaged  in,  for  the  reformation  of  the  women 
in  Newgate,  for  some  time  past.  We  proceeded  to  the  felons' 
door,  the  steps  of  which  were  covered  with  their  friends,  who 
were  waiting  for  admission,  laden  with  the  various  provisions, 
and  other  articles  which  they  required,  either  as  gifts,  or  to 
be  purchased,  as  the  prisoners  might  be  able  to  afford.  We 
entered  with  this  crowd  of  persons,  into  an  ante-room,  the 


1817.]  LIFE   OF   ELIZABETH   FRY.  253 

walls  of  which  were  covered  with  the  different  chains  and 
fetters,  suspended  in  readiness  for  the  culprits  :  a  block  and 
hammer  were  placed  in  the  centre  of  it,  on  which  the  chains 
were  rivetted.  The  room  was  guarded  with  blunderbusses, 
mounted  on  moveable  carriages.  I  trembled,  and  felt  sick, 
and  my  heart  sunk  within  me,  when  a  prisoner  was  brought 
forward  to  have  his  chain  lightened,  because  he  had  an  in- 
flammation on  the  ankle.  I  spoke  to  him,  for  he  looked 
dejected,  and  by  no  means  ferocious.  The  turnkey  soon 
opened  the  first  gate  of  entrance,  through  which  we  were 
permitted  to  pass  without  being  searched,  in  consequence  of 
orders  issued  by  the  sheriffs.  The  crowd  awaited  until  the 
men  had  been  searched  by  the  turnkeys :  and  the  women,  by 
a  woman  stationed  for  that  purpose  in  a  little  room  by  the 
door  of  entrance.  These  searchers  are  allowed,  if  they 
suspect  spirits,  or  ropes,  or  instruments  of  escape  to  be 
concealed  about  the  person,  to  strip  them  to  ascertain  the 
fact.  A  melancholy  detection  took  place  a  few  days  ago.  A 
poor  woman  had  a  rope  found  upon  her,  concealed  for  the 
purpose  of  liberating  her  husband,  sentenced  to  death  for 
highway  robbery,  which  sentence  was  to  be  put  into-  execu- 
tion in  a  few  days.  She  was  of  course  taken  before  a 
magistrate,  and  ordered  into  Newgate  to  wait  her  trial.  She 
was  a  young  and  pretty  little  Irish  woman,  with  an  infant  in 
her  arms.  After  passing  the  first  door  into  a  passage,  we 
arrived  at  the  place  where  the  prisoners'  friends  communi- 
cate with  them  ;  it  may  be  justly  termed  a  sort  of  iron  cage ;  a 
considerable  space  remains  between  the  gratings,  too  wide  to 
admit  of  their  shaking  hands.  They  pass  into  this  from  the 
airing-yard,  which  occupies  the  centre  of  the  quadrangle, 
round  which  the  building  runs,  and  into  which  no  persons 
but  the  visiting  ladies,  or  the  persons  they  introduce,  attended 
by  a  turnkey,  are  permitted  to  enter.  This  door  is  kept  by 
a  principal  turnkey,  and  was  opened  to  our  attendant  by  his 
ringing  a  bell.  A  little  lodge,  in  which  an  under  turnkey 
sleeps,  is  also  considered  necessary  to  render  the  entrance 


264  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1817. 

secure.  This  yard  was  clean,  and  up  and  down  it,  paraded 
an  emaciated  woman,  who  gave  notice  to  the  women  of  the 
arrival  of  their  friends.  Most  of  the  prisoners  were  collected 
in  a  room  newly  appropriated  for  the  purpose  to  hear  a  por- 
tion of  the  Sacred  Scriptures  read  to.  them,  either  by  the 
matron,  or  by  one  of  the  Ladies'  Committee ;  which  last  is 
far  preferable.  They  assemble  when  the  bell  rings,  as  near 
nine  o'clock  as  possible,  following  their  monitors  or  wards- 
women,  to  the  forms  which  are  placed  in  order  to  receive 
them.  I  think  I  never  can  forget  the  impression  made  upon 
my  feelings  at  this  sight.  Women  from  every  part  of  Great 
Britain,  of  every  age  and  condition,  below  the  lower  middle 
rank,  were  assembled  in  mute  silence,  except  when  the  in- 
terrupted breathing  of  their  sucking  infants  informed  us  of 
the  unhealthy  state  of  these  innocent  partakers  in  their  pa- 
rents' punishment.  The  matron  read ;  I  could  not  refrain 
from  tears,  the  women  wept  also ;  several  were  under  the 
sentence  of  death.  Swain,  for  forging,  who  had  just  received 
her  respite,  sat  next  to  me ;  and  on  my  left  hand,  sat  Law- 
rence alias  Woodman,  surrounded  by  her  four  children,  and 
only  waiting  the  birth  of  another  which  she  hourly  expects, 
to  pay  the  forfeit  of  her  life  ;  as  her  husband  had  done  for 
the  same  crime,  a  short  time  before. 

"  Such  various,  such  acute,  and  such  new  feelings  passed 
through  my  mind,  that  I  could  hardly  support  the  reflection, 
that  what  I  saw  was  only  to  be  compared  to  an  atom  in  the 
abyss  of  vice,  and  consequently,  misery  of  this  vast  metro- 
polis. The  hope  of  doing  the  least  lasting  good,  seemed  to* 
vanish  ;  and  to  leave  me  in  fearful  apathy.  The  prisoners 
left  the  room  in  order.  Each  monitor  took  charge  of  the 
work  of  her  class  on  retiring.  We  proceeded  to  other  wards, 
some  containing  coiners,  forgers,  and  thieves ;  and  almost 
all  these  vices  were  ingrafted  on  the  most  deplorable  root  of 
sinful  dissipation.  Many  of  the  women  are  married  ;  their 
families  are  in  some  instances  permitted  to  be  with  them,  if 
very  young;  their  husbands,  the  partners  of  their  crimes, 


1817."j  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  255 

are  often  found  to  be  on  the  men's  side  of  the  prison,  or  on 
their  way  to  Botany  Bay. 

"Some  of  these  poor  women  are  really  beautiful,  and 
healthy,  and  even  modest-looking ;  their  figures  fine,  and 
their  countenances  not  disfigured  by  the  expression  of  sin. 
The  greatest  number  appeared  to  me  Irish,  a  very  few  Scotch ; 
the  former  are  always  ignorant,  and  preserve  the  peculiarities 
of  their  national  character,  even  in  this  abode  of  sorrow  and 
captivity  ;  for  to  them  privation  and  hardship  are  well  known, 
and  their  Roman  Catholic  profession  places  their  responsi- 
bility to  God,  in  the  keeping  of  their  priests,  so  that  life  is  de- 
prived of  its  heaviest  burden,  and  they  expect  to  be  finally 
happy,  if  they  attend,  even  in  that  place,  to  the  private  cere- 
monies which  their  form  of  worship  enjoins.  I  felt  much 
more  interested  during  my  momentary  glance,  for  some  of 
these  poor  creatures,  than  for  others.  I  was  warned  by  my 
friend  not  to  place  too  much  dependence  on  expression  of 
countenance,  or  on  what  they  might  say,  as  deception  is  the 
ruling  temptation  while  here>  and  without  much  care,  would 
produce  mischief  and  injustice.  They  appear  to  be  aware  of 
the  value  of  character,  to  know  what  is  right,  but  to  forsake 
it  in  action ;  finding  this  feeling  yet  alive,  if  properly  puri- 
fied and  directed,  it  may  become  a  foundation  on  which  a 
degree  of  reformation  can  be  built.  In  appealing  to  this 
statement  in  their  breasts,  and  cultivating  their  own  know- 
ledge of  it,  many  of  the  causes  of  former  misbehaviour  are 
crushed.  Thus  they  conduct  themselves  more  calmly  and 
decently  to  each  other,  they  are  more  orderly,  more  quiet, 
refrain  from  bad  language,  chew  tobacco  more  cautiously, 
surrender  the  use  of  the  fire-place,  permit  doors  and  win- 
dows to  be  opened  and  shut,  to  air  or  warm  the  prison, 
reprove  their  children  with  less  violence,  borrow  and  lend 
useful  articles  to  each  other  kindly,  put  on  their  attire  with 
modesty,  and  abstain  from  slanderous  and  reproachful  words. 

"  It  is  to  be  hoped  that  by  and  by,  a  deeper  and  purer 
sense  of  the  truths  of  religion  may  be  found  the  cause  of  a 


256  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1817. 

real  reformation.  None  amongst  them  was  so  shocking  as 
an  old  woman,  a  clipper  of  the  coin  of  the  realm,  whose 
daughter  was  by  her  side,  with  her  infant  in  her  arras,  which 
had  been  born  in  Bridewell ;  the  grandfather  was  already 
transported  with  several  branches  of  his  family  as  being 
coiners.  The  old  woman's  face  was  full  of  depravity.  We 
next  crossed  the  airing-yard,  where  many  prisoners  were  in- 
dustriouly  engaged  at  slop-work,  for  which  they  are  paid, 
and  after  receiving  what  they  require,  the  rest  is  kept  for 
them  by  the  Committee,  who  have  a  receipt  book,  where 
their  earnings  and  expenditure  may  be  seen  for  any  time,  by 
the  day  or  week.  On  entering  the  untried  wards,  we  found 
the  women  very  different  from  those  we  had  just  left ;  they 
were  quarrelling,  and  very  disorderly,  neither  knowing  their 
future  fate  nor  anything  like  subordination  amongst  one 
another.  It  resembles  the  state  of  the  women  on  the  tried 
side,  previous  to  the  formation  of  the  Visitors'  Committee  ; 
not  a  hand  was  employed,  except  in  mischief.  One  bold 
creature  was  ushered  in  for  committing  highway  robbery. 
Many  convicts  were  arriving  just  remanded  from  the  Sessions 
House ;  and  their  dark  associates  received  them  with  ap- 
plause,— such  is  the  unhallowed  fellowship  of  sin.  We  left 
this  revolting  scene,  and  proceeded  to  the  school-room, 
situated  on  the  untried  side  of  the  prison,  for  want  of  room 
on  the  tried.  The  quiet  decency  of  this  apartment  was  quite 
a  relief ;  about  twenty  young  women  rose  on  our  entrance, 
and  stood  with  their  eyes  cast  to  the  ground. 

"  A  young  woman  of  respectable  appearance,  named  Mary 
Connor,  had  offered  herself  as  mistress,  for  keeping  the  young 
children  in  order  ;  who  were  separated  from  their  parents' 
wards,  and  placed  in  this  room.  I  gave  those  who  wished  it, 
permission  to  read  to  me  ;  several  could  both  read  and  write, 
some  could  say  their  letters,  and  others  were  in  total  igno- 
rance ;  they  wept  as  I  asked  them  questions,  and  I  read  to 
them  the  parable  of  the  prodigal  son,  as  being  peculiarly 
applicable  to  their  present  situation  ;  they  then  resumed  their 


1817.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  257 

needle-work.  We  next  proceeded  to  the  sick  ward,  (it  was 
in  good  order,)  and  took  a  list  of  the  additional  clothes  wanted 
there,  and  read  a  chapter  from  the  New  Testament ;  we  then 
hade  adieu  to  this  dismal  abode. 

"  2nd. — Rose  early  and  visited  Newgate  (accompanied  by 
Elizabeth  Pryor,)  where  most  of  the  Committee  met  to  receive 
the  Lord  Mayor,  the  Sheriffs,  several  Aldermen,  among  whom 
were  Sir  William  Curtis,  Atkins,  and  some  of  the  Gaol  Com- 
mittee, who  had  visited  Elizabeth  Fry  the  preceding  day,  in 
order  to  learn  what  had  been  done,  what  remained  to  be  im- 
proved, and  to  lend  the  assistance  deemed  needful  in  this 
important  work.  The  wisdom  and  integrity  of  her  purpose 
were  made  apparent  to  them,  and  the  plans  gradually  expanded 
before  each  of  them ;  nothing  was  precipitated,  caution 
marked  every  step,  and  even  the  irritable  state  of  City 
politics  does  not  interfere  with  this  attempt  at  improvement. 
The  women  were  assembled  as  usual,  looking  particularly 
clean,  and  Elizabeth  Fry  had  commenced  reading  a  Psalm, 
when  the  whole  of  this  party  entered  the  already  crowded 
room.  Her  reading  was  thus  interrupted  for  a  short  time. 
She  looked  calmly  on  the  approaching  gentlemen,  who,  soon 
perceiving  the  solemnity  of  her  occupation,"stood  still  amidst 
the  multitude,  whilst  Elizabeth  Fry  resumed  her  office,  and 
the  women  their  quietude.  In  an  impressive  tone  she  told 
them,  she  never  permitted  any  trifling  circumstance  to  inter- 
rupt the  very  solemn  and  important  engagement  of  reading 
the  Holy  Scriptures ;  but  in  this  instance  it  appeared  un- 
avoidable from  the  unexpected  entrance  of  so  many  persons, 
besides  which,  when  opportunity  offers,  we  should  pay 
respect  to  those  in  authority  over  us,  those  who  administer 
justice ;  she  thus,  with  a  Christian  prudence,  peculiar  to 
herself,  controlled  the  whole  assembly,  and  subdued  the 
feelings  of  the  prisoners,  many  of  whom  were  but  too  well 
acquainted  with  the  faces  of  the  magistrates,  who  were  them- 
selves touched  and  astonished  at  thus  being  introduced  to  a 

Btate  of  decorum  so  new  within  those  walls,  and    could  not 

31 
•  » 


258  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1817 

help  acknowledging,  how  admirably  this  mode  of  treat- 
ment was  adapted  to  overcome  the  evil  spirit  which  had 
so  long  triumphed  there.  The  usual  silence  ensued  after 
the  reading,  then  the  women  withdrew.  We  could  not 
help  feeling  particularly  glad  that  the  gentlemen  were 
present  at  this  reading ;  the  prisoners  crowded  round  tho 
Lord  Mayor  and  Sheriffs,  to  beg  little  favours.  We  had  a 
long  conference  with  these  gentlemen  relative  to  this  prison 
and  its  objects,  the  wisest  regulations  for  Prison  Discipline, 
and  the  causes  of  crime  ;  indeed  we  could  not  have  received 
more  kind  or  devoted  attention  to  what  was  suggested. 
Elizabeth  Fry's  manner  seemed  to  awaken  new  trains  of  re- 
flection, and  to  place  the  individual  value  of  these  poor 
creatures  before  them  in  a  fresh  point  of  view.  They  talked 
of  building  a  school-room,  but  as  it  would  encroach  on  the 
area  of  the  yard,  the  scheme  was  unanimously  abandoned. 
Regulations  for  cooking,  washing  and  dining,  were  promised  ; 
but  everything  at  present  that  involves  expense  to  the  city 
is  relinquished.  Economy,  not  parsimony,  was  the  theme 
of  the  Lord  Mayor ;  private  benevolence  has  up  to  this 
time  supplied  every  extra  expense,  besides  what  is  termed 
the  Sheriff's  Gift.  The  Sheriffs  came  to  our  Committee- 
room,  they  ordered  a  cell  to  be  given  up  to  the  Committee, 
for  the  temporary  confinement  of  delinquents  ;  it  was  to  be 
made  appear  as  formidable  as  possible,  and  we  hope  never  to 
require  it. 

"  12tfA. — The  soldiers  who  guarded  the  interior  of  New- 
gate, were,  at  our  request  dismissed ;  they  overlooked  the 
women's  yard,  and  rendered  them  very  disorderly. 

"  23rd. — I  found  poor  Woodman  lying-in,  in  the  common 
ward,  where  she  had  been  suddenly  taken  ill ;  herself  and 
little  girl  were  each  doing  very  well.  She  was  awaiting  her 
execution  at  the  end  of  the  month.  What  can  be  said  of 
such  sights  as  these  ? 

"  2£th. — I  read  to  Woodman,  who  is  not  in  the  state  of 
mind  we  could  wish  for  her,  indeed  so  unnatural  is  her  situ- 


1817.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  259 

ation,  that  one  can  hardly  tell  how  or  in  what  manner  to 
meet  her  case.  She  seems  afraid  to  love  her  baby,  and  the 
very  health  which  is  being  restored  to  her  produces  irrita- 
tion of  mind." 

The  visit  paid  by  the  city  authorities,  as  described  above 
by  Sophia  de  C.,  was  highly  satisfactory  to  them.  They 
had  themselves  experienced  insurmountable  difficulties  in  the 
attempt  to  control,  or  introduce  order  amongst  the  women  in 
Newgate,  and  appear  to  have  relinquished  the  task  as  hope- 
less. When,  therefore,  this  new  system  and  its  unlooked-for 
success  was  exhibited  before  them,  they  did  not  start  aside, 
mistrustful  of  the  agency,  or  the  novelty  of  the  proceedings, 
but,  without  hesitation,  gave  to  these  efforts  the  weight  of 
their  influence  and  authority,  without  which,  the  benefit 
would  probably  be  of  short  duration,  and  of  comparatively 
unimportant  results. 

The  different  arrangements  made  by  the  visitors,  together 
with  the  purchase  of  clothing  for  the  prisoners,  entailed  con- 
siderable expenses ;  which  soon  proved  beyond  their  private 
resources ;  a  subscription  was  therefore  opened  to  meet  them, 
to  which  the  Sheriffs  added  the  sum  of  eighty  pounds. 
Elizabeth  Fry,  at  an  after  period,  related  to  one  of  her  co- 
adjutors, that  at  this  time  she  applied  to  some  of  her  own 
relations  for  assistance  in  this  object,  for  she  perceived  the 
work  before  her  to  be  great,  and  the  opening  for  usefulness 
beyond  her  expectation,  but  that  to  follow  it  up,  she  re- 
quired the  command  of  more  money,  than  she  could  con- 
scientiously ask  from  her  husband.  Her  application  was 
most  cordially  responded  to  by  them ;  especially  by  her 
cousin,  Hudson  Gurney,  and  her  uncle,  Robert  Barclay  ; 
they  gave  her  help,  and  encouraged  her  to  persevere  in  her 
important  objects,  desiring  her  to  apply  freely  to  them, 
whenever  their  aid  was  required. 

But  far  beyond  any  other  assistance  was  that  which  she 
received  from  her  own  brothers;  who  not  only  entered 
warmly  into  her  objects  of  interest,  but  were  unfailing  in  the 


260  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1817. 

generous  support  which  they  afforded  them.  From  that  time, 
until  her  labours  of  love  were  ended  upon  earth,  not  one 
year  elapsed  in  which  they  did  not  most  liberally  contribute, 
as  occasion  required,  to  her  various  purposes  of  benevolence, 
leaving  the  division  to  her  own  judgment.  Thus  did  He, 
who  had  called  her  to  this  work,  open  the  hearts  of  persons 
in  various  circumstances,  each  to  contribute  of  that  which  he 
had,  some  in  personal  exertion,  and  cheerful  consecration  of 
time  and  strength  ;  some  the  countenance  of  their  authority 
and  official  dignity,  whilst  others  poured  in  the  needful  sup- 
plies of  silver  and  gold. 
We  return  to  the  journal. 

Plashet,  Sixth  Month,  ~L6th. — I  found  the  prison  going  on 
in  a  very  encouraging  manner,  so  much  quietness  and  order, 
quite  like  a  different  place  to  what  it  used  to  be.  We  may 
humbly  trust  from  the  fruit  produced,  that  the  blessing 
of  the  Most  High  has  given  the  increase  to  the  scattered 
seed. 

On  the  eleventh  of  Sixth  Month,  1817,  she  writes  to  her 
two  eldest  daughters ;  who,  for  nearly  a  year,  had  been  the 
guests  of  their  uncle  Daniel  Grurney,  at  North  Runcton, 
under  the  maternal  care  of  their  aunt  Rachel. 

My  dear  children,  remember,.if  you  wish  to  be  real  helpers 
to  me,  and  to  your  dear  father,  you  must  take  heed  to  your- 
selves ;  and  seek  to  keep  your  eye  single  to  Him,  who  can 
alone  enable  you  to  do  your  duty  towards,  yourselves,  or 
towards  us.  For  I  am  more  and  more  convinced,  that  unless 
what  we  do,  is  done  heartily  unto  the  Lord,  it  profiteth  little 
and  availeth  nothing.  I  cannot  tell  you, — for  I  have  not 
language  to  express  it, — the  longing  that  I  have,  that  you, 
my  sweet,  dear  children,  may  go  on  in  the  right  way.  How 
far  before  all  other  things  do  I  ask  it  for  you.  That  whilst 
here,  you  may  be  "  guided  by  His  counsel,  and  afterwards 

received  into  glory." 

ELIZABETH  FKY. 


1817.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  2l)t 

Plashet,  Sixth  Month,  20th. — My  dearest  boys  are  returned 
from  school,  and  the  girls  I  expect  this  evening.  To  be  once 
more  surrounded  by  our  sweet  flock,  is  pleasant,  and  appears 
cause  for  much  thankfulness.  May  a  blessing  attend  us 
amongst  them,  so  that  in  word,  and  in  deed,  we  may  preach 
Christ ;  and  0,  gracious  Lord  !  be  pleased  so  to  let  Thy 
blessing  attend  our  labours  of  love,  that  they  may  all  grow 
in  grace,  and  in  the  knowledge  of  Thee,  and  Christ  Jesus 
whom  Thou  hast  sent. 

Seventh  Month,  21st. — I  seem  kept  almost  always,  by  night 
and  by  day,  going  again  and  again  to  the  mercy-seat ;  I 
can  hardly  express  what  I  have  felt  at  times — groanings 
unutterable,  for  the  children  upon  their  getting  out  of  child- 
hood, in  their  many  temptations ;  some  seem  more  beset 
than  others ;  but  I  do  trust  in  Him,  who  has  done  marvellous 
things  for  me,  and  I  humbly  believe  will  do  so  also  for  them; 
this  is  the  language  of  faith  in  my  heart,  so  that  I  can 
hardly  help  consoling  myself  with  the  hope  that,  sooner  or 
later,  it  will  be  verified,  "  I  will  pour  my  Spirit  upon  thy 
seed,  and  my  blessing  upon  thy  offspring,  and  they  shall 
spring  up  as  among  the  grass,  as  willows  by  the  water-courses. 
One  shall  say,  I  am  the  Lord's  ;  and  another  shall  call  him- 
self by  the  name  of  Jacob  ;  and  another  shall  subscribe  with 
his  hand  unto  the  Lord,  and  surname  himself  by  the  name 
of  Israel." 

Eighth  Month,  4th. — My  having  been  brought  publicly 
forward  in  the  newspapers,  respecting  what  I  have  been 
instrumental  in  doing  at  Newgate,  has  brought  some  anxiety 
with  it;  in  the  first  place,  as  far  as  I  am  concerned,  that  it 
may  neither  raise  me  too  high,  nor  cast  me  too  low,  that 
having  what  may  appear  my  good  works,  thus  published, 
may  never  lead  me  or  others  to  give  either  the  praise  or  glory 
where  it  is  not  due.  And  that  being  brought  thus  forward 
in  a  way  I  do  not  like,  and  by  a  person  whom  I  do  not  quite 
approve ;  I  may  in  this,  and  in  all  other  things,  experience 
preservation,  for  indeed,  I  cannot  keep  myself,  and  that  this 


262  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FBY.  [1817. 

labour,  if  consistent  with  the  Divine  Will,  may  continue  to 
be  blessed,  and  to  make  progress.  And  for  myself,  that  I 
may  be  kept  humble,  watchful,  faithful,  and  persevering. 

The  change  that  had  taken  place  in  Newgate,  was  noticed, 
for  the  first  time,  in  the  public  journals,  during  the  autumn  of 
this  year,  by  a  man  who  has  since  been  distinguished  for  his 
wild  and  theoretical  views,  Robert  Owen,  of  New  Lanark. 
This  was,  to  Elizabeth  Fry  and  her  companions,  a  painful  and 
unpleasant  circumstance,  notoriety  being  far  from  agreeable 
with  their  inclination.  It  immediately  arrested  public  at' 
tention,  Prison  Discipline  having  become  an  object  of  gen 
eral  interest. 

Plashet,  Eighth  Month,  28th. — I  was  yesterday  at  Newgate 
with  Sheriff  Brydges,  &c.,  &c.  I  have  felt  of  late,  fears, 
whether  my  being  made  so  much  of,  so  much  respect  paid 
me  by  the  people  in  power  in  the  city,  and  also  being  so 
publicly  brought  forward,  may  not  prove  a  temptation,  and 
lead  to  something  of  self-exaltation,  or  worldly  pride.  I  fear, 
I  make  the  most  of  myself,  and  carry  myself  rather  as  if  I 
were  somebody  amongst  them  ;  a  degree  of  this  sort  of  con- 
duct appears  almost  necessary — yet  oh  !  the  watchfulness 
required  not  to  bow  to  man,  not  to  seek  to  gratify  self-love  ; 
but  rather,  in  humility  and  godly  fear,  to  abide  under  the 
humiliation  of  the  cross.  Lord,  be  pleased  so  to  help  and 
strengthen  me  in  this,  .that  for  Thine  own  cause*  sake,  for  my 
own  soul's  sake,  my  beloved  family's,  and  the  Society's  sake, 
I  may  in  no  way  be  a  cause  of  reproach  ;  but  in  my  life, 
conduct,  and  conversation,  glorify  Thy  great  and  ever  ex- 
cellent name.  In  all  my  perplexities  be  pleased  to  help  me, 
and  make  a  way  where  I  see  no  way. 

In  the  Ninth  Month,  her  brother,  Joseph  John  Gurney, 
of  Earlham,  married  Jane,  daughter  of  John  Birkbeck. 


1817.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  263 

Plashet,  Ninth  Month,  IQth.— I  returned  from  attending  my 
dearest  brother  Joseph's  wedding,  with  Jane  Birkbeck,  yes- 
terday ;  they  were  married  on  the  10th ;  a  Meeting  very  con- 
spicuously owned  by  the  great  and  good  Shepherd  of  Israel, 
so  that  we  could  but  look  upon  it  as  a  token  for  good ;  the 
ministry  flowed  ;  but  the  immediate  visitation  of  Divine  love 
was  still  better.  My  brother  said  a  few  words  in  supplication, 
to  my  great  comfort  and  refreshment,  not  doubting  but  that 
the  Holy  anointing  was  poured  upon  him  ;  therefore  I  believe 
that  he  will  be  a  great  instrument  in  his  Heavenly  Father's 
hand,  if  he  only  keep  very  near  to  His  guidance  in  heights 
and  in  depths  ;  but  I  could  naturally  feel  fears  for  his  very 
sensitive  and  tender  mind — the  conflicts  necessary  for  the 
service  are  so  great  and  deep.  His  dear  wife  I  believe  will 
prove  a  true  helper  to  him.  I  saw  them  afterwards  settled 
at  Earlham. 

The  following  touching  letter  proves  that  her  spirit  was, 
in  no  degree,  exalted  by  the  applause  of  the  world  ;  the 
deep  and  hidden  sorrows,  of  which  she  so  feelingly  speaks, 
caused  her  path  to  be  one  of  much  tribulation. 

TO  HER   BROTHER,    JOSEPH    JOHN    GURNEt. 

Plashet,  Tenth  Month,  16lh,  1817. 
My  dearest  Joseph, 

It  is  rather  odd  to  myself  that  I  should  not  have  written 
to  thee  before,  who  hast  been  the  frequent  subject  of  my 
most  tender  interests.  My  heart  has  been  raised  for  thy  sup- 
port and  preservation  under  every  circumstance. 

Perhaps,  my  dear  brother,  thou  wilt  like  to  hear  a  little  of 
me,  though  thou  hast  so  much  to  occupy  thy  heart  and  mind. 
Few,  perhaps,  can  acknowledge  more  of  the  abundant  loving 
kindness  of  the  Almighty,  who,  in  a  remarkable  way,  has 
dealt  with  me.  But  in  blessing,  He  has  been  pleased,  at 
times,  to  permit  some  deep  sorrows  in  the  cup;  some  known 


264  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1817. 

to  my  fellow-mortals,  and  some  remarkably  hidden ;  but  this, 
I  doubt  not,  has  been  for  good.  At  times,  even  though 
there  are  so  many  whom  I  love,  so  many  near  and  dear  to 
me,  "  I  watch,  and  am  as  a  sparrow  alone  upon  the  house- 
top," like  "  the  owl  in  the  desert,  or  the  pelican  in  the  wil- 
derness ;"  but  I  believe  "  when  no  man  seeth  me,  God  seeth 
me,  and  when  no  man  piticth  me,  God  pitieth  me."  I  have 
felt  also  what  the  blessing  is  of  having"  Him  on  our  side ; 
how  doth  He  comfort  those  that  mourn,  and  administer  to  all 
our  wants.  In  short,  though  cast  rather  down  in  some  things, 
I  have  felt  much  raised  up  in  others,  as  if  the  power  of  the 
Endless  Life  shone  strong  in  me  through  all ;  so  that  I  may 
say,  "  though  sorrowing,  yet  always  rejoicing."  This  is  a 
most  private  letter,  as  such  an  acknowledgment  is  almost 
like  boasting,  but  I  believe  I  may  say  it  is  not  so,  for  all  I 
desire  to  convey  is,  that  amidst  all  my  cares,  sorrows,  and 
perplexities,  through  His  gracious  power  who  strengthens 
me,  I  do  rejoice. 

Let  me  hear  from  you  soon,  and  believe  me,  in  near  and 
tender  love,  thine  and  thy  dear  Jane's 

Very  affectionate  sister, 

E.  F. 

Mildred's  Court,  Twelfth  Month,  Ilth. — A  remarkable 
blessing  still  appears  to  accompany  my  prison  concerns  ; 
perhaps  the  greatest  apparent  blessing  on  my  deeds,  that  ever 
attended  me.  How  have  the  spirits  both  of  those  in  power, 
and  the  poor,  afflicted  prisoners,  appeared  to  be  subjected, 
and  how  has  the  work  gone  on  !  most  assuredly  the  power 
and  the  glory  is  alone  due  to  the  Author  and  Finisher  of 
every  good  work  :  things  in  this  way  thus  prosper,  beyond 
my  most  sanguine  expectations ;  but  there  are  also  deep 
humiliations  for  me.  My  beloved  children  do  not  appear 
sufficiently  under  the  influence  of  religion.  I  am  ready  to 
say,  oh  !  that  I  could  prosper  at  home  in  my  labours,  as  I 
appear  to  do  abroad.  Others  appear  to  fear  for  me,  that  I  am 
too  much  divided ;  but  alas  !  what  can  I  do,  but  follow  the 


1818.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  265 

openings  ?  I  think  that  I  do  also  labour  at  home  ;  but  He 
who  searcheth  the  heart,  vrho  knoweth  all  things,  He  knows 
my  faith,  my  goings  out,  and  my  comings  in  ;  He  knows  the 
desires  of  my  heart  towards  Himself — indeed  the  deep, 
inward  travail  of  my  spirit  has  been  unutterable  and  inde- 
scribable ;  but  my  humble  trust  and  strong  confidence  is, 
that  He  who  hears  and  answers  prayer,  listens  to  my  cry, 
hearkens  to  my  deep  inward  supplications  for  myself,  my 
husband,  children,  brothers,  sisters,  and  household,  my  poor 
prisoners,  and  all  things  upon  which  I  crave  a  blessing  ;  and 
that  being  breathed  in  the  faith,  and  I  humbly  trust  through 
the  power  of  the  Redeemer,  access  will  be  granted  them, 
and  that  He  who  has  been  with  me,  will  be  with  me  even 
unto  the  end.  Amen,  and  Amen,  saith  my  unworthy,  sor- 
rowful, and  yet  in  another  sense,  rejoicing  soul ;  as  I  do,  at 
seasons  through  all,  in  a  marvellous  manner,  in  all  my  sor- 
rows and  cares,  greatly  and  unspeakably  rejoice  in  God  my 
Saviour,  my  Redeemer,  and  my  only  hope  of  glory. 

Mildred's  Court,  23rd. — My  spirit  is  much  overwhelmed 
within  me,  this  morning,  but  may  I  be  enabled  to  look  to  the 
Rock  that  is  higher  than  I.  0  Lord  !  I  beseech  thee,  sustain 
me,  and  grant  me  cheerful  resignation  to  Thy  will,  whatever 
Thou  mayst  be  pleased  to  do  with  my  little  one  who  is 
sick  ;  either  in  life,  or  in  death,  may  she  ever  be  Thine,  and 
be  comforted  by  Thy  love,  and  life-giving  presence.  Amen. 

Mildred's  Court,  1818. — Lord,  be  pleased  to  grant  the 
blessing  of  preservation  which  is  above  every  blessing.  It  is 
very  striking  and  wonderful  to  me,  to  observe  how  some 
things  have  been  verified,  that,  in  times  of  great  lovmess  and 
unutterable  distress,  I  have  been  led  to  believe  would  happen  ; 
in  reading  the  142nd  Psalm,  these  words  particularly,  "  The 
righteous  shall  compass  me  about,  for  Thou  shalt  deal  boun- 
tifully with  me."  Has  not  this  been,  and  is  it  not  now, 
remarkably  verified,  by  those  filling  almost  the  highest 
stations  in  life,  to  the  lowest ;  by  persons  of  almost  all  de- 
nominations, have  I  not  been  compassed  about  ?  My  prison 
34 


266  LIPE    OF    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1818. 

concerns  have  thus  brought  me,  a  poor  and  very  unworthy 
creature,  into  public  notice,  and  I  may  most  humbly  adopt 
this  language  in  the  71st  Psalm,  "  I  am  as  a  wonder  unto 
many  ;  but  Thou  art  my  strong  Refuge.  Oh  !  let  my  mouth 
be  filled  with  Thy  praise,  and  with  Thy  honour  all  the  day  ;" 
but,  0  Lord  .l  merciful  and  gracious,  Thou  who  knowest  the 
heart  and  its  wanderings,  and  also  its  pantings  after  Thyself, 
be  pleased  yet  to  manifest  Thyself  to  be  a  God  hear- 
ing and  answering  prayer.  Thou  hast,  in  times  of 
deep  adversity,  and  of  great  affliction,  when  the  heart 
of  Thy  handmaid  has  been  ready  to  say,  Refuge  failed 
her,  Thou  hast  then  been  her  Stronghold,  her  Rock,  and  her 
Fortress ;  so  that  she  has  not  been  greatly  moved,  nor 
overcome  by  her  soul's  enemy.  Be  pleased,  most  merciful 
and  gracious  Lord  God  Almighty,  now  to  keep  her  in  the 
day  of  prosperity,  when  the  righteous  compass  her  about, 
that  she  may  be,  for  a  time,  even  as  a  wonder  unto  many. 
Keep  her,  O  Lord  !  even  as  in  Thine  own  Almighty  hand, 
that  no  evil  befall  her,  nor  any  plague  come  nigh  her  dwel- 
ling ;  and  as  Thou  hast  so  far,  in  Thine  abundant  mercy  and 
loving  kindness,  delivered  her  soul  from  death,  Oh,  be 
pleased  to  keep  her  feet  from  falling  ;  hold  up  her  goings  in 
thy  paths,  that  her  footsteps  slip  not ;  but  increasingly  ena- 
ble her  at  all  times,  under  all  circumstances,  in  heights  and 
in  depths,  in  life  and  in  death,  to  show  forth  Thy  praise,  to 
walk  faithfully  and  circumspectly  before  Thee,  obeying 
Thee  in  all  things,  in  Thy  fear  and  in  Thy  love  ;  abounding 
in  the  true  faith,  as  it  is  in  Jesus ;  ever  giving  Thee,  0  Lord 
God  on  High,  with  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord,  and  Thy  Holy 
Spirit  our  Comforter,  one  God,  blessed  forever,  the  glory  due 
unto  Thee,  now  in  time,  and  in  an  endless  eternity.  Amen, 
Amen. 

During  the  winter  of  1817-18,  Elizabeth  Fry  received 
many  letters  of  inquiry  from  different  parts  of  the  country, 
in  relation  to  the  system  pursued  in  Newgate.  Ladies 


1818.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  267 

wished  to  form  similar  associations.  Magistrates  wished  to 
improve  the  state  of  prisoners  under  their  control,  &c.,  &c. : 
all  which  required  minute  and  carefully-considered  replies- 
Some  of  the  most  distinguished  and  influential  persons  in 
the  kingdom  were  anxious  to  witness,  for  themselves,  what 
had  been  done  in  the  prison,  and  a  part  of  almost  every 
morning  was  spent  in  accompanying  such  parties  thither. 

Many  were  asking  for  counsel,  others  for  employment, 
which  they  supposed  Elizabeth  Fry  could  obtain  for  them  ; 
and  almost  constant  applications  from  the  poor,  who  thought 
her  purse  as  inexhaustible  as  her  good-will,  "humbly  pray- 
ing" for  assistance.  Her  benevolent  feelings  would  hardly 
suffer  any  of  these  to  pass  unheeded ;  and  her  daughters, 
the  eldest  of  whom  was  in  her  seventeenth  year,  proved 
efficient  helpers  in  answering  the  demands. 

A  person  who  visited  the  prison  infirmary,  found  a  wo- 
man very  ill ;  she  spoke  most  feelingly  of  the  kind  atten- 
tions of  the  ladies,  adding,  "All  the  comforts  around  me, 
and  all  the  consolation  of  my  mind,  are  owing  to  them." 

The  prisoners  who  were  sent  from  Newgate  to  the  Peni- 
tentiary, were  remarkable  for  the  propriety  of  their  conduct ; 
and,  as  opportunities  occurred,  the  manner  in  which  they 
would  ask  after  the  health  and  welfare  of  the  "  Ladies' 
Committee"  was  highly  interesting.  A  visitor  said,  "I 
never  heard  more  minute  or  more  affectionate  enquiries,  or 
more  grateful  acknowledgments.  Mentioning  Elizabeth  Fry, 
I  asked  if  she  had  done  them  any  good  ?  The  answer  of 
one  struck  me  much,  but  more  from  the  manner  than  the 
language  : — *  God  bless  her,  and  the  day  she  came  to  New- 
gate !  She  has  done  us  all  good,  and  wo  have,  and  shall 
always  have,  reason  to  bless  her.'  This  prisoner  had  been 
in  Newgate  previously,  as  well  as  subsequently,  to  the  intro- 
duction of  the  Ladies'  Committee  ;  and  she  gave  me  a  strik- 
ing picture  of  the  contrast  between  the  two  periods." 

During  the  former,  it  had  been  the  practice  for  convicts, 
on  the  night  preceding  their  departure  for  Botany  Bay,  to 


268  IFB    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1818. 

pull  down  and  break  or  burn  everything  within  their  reach  ; 
and  to  go  off  shouting  with  the  most  hardened  effrontery. 
But  when  the  last  set  went  out,  they  took  an  affectionate  leave 
of  their  companions,  and  expressed  the  utmost  gratitude  to 
their  benefactors,  and  the  next  day  entered  their  conveyances 
peaceably  ;  and  their  departure,  in  the  tears  that  were  shed 
and  the  mournful  decorum  that  was  observed,  resembled  a 
funeral  procession  ;  and  so  orderly  was  their  behaviour,  that 
it  was  deemed  unnecessary  to  send  more  than  half  the  usual 
escort.  As  a  proof  that  moral  and  religious  instruction  had 
produced  some  effect  upon  their  minds,  when  these  poor 
creatures  were  going,  those  who  remained  entreated  that 
their  share  of  the  profits  (a  little  fund  they  were  allowed  to 
collect  for  themselves,  kept  in  a  box  under  the  care  of  the 
"  Ladies'  Committee  ")  might  all  be  given  to  those  who  were 
about  to  leave  them. 

In  ten  months  after  the  working-system  was  introduced, 
the  women  had  made  nearly  twenty  thousand  articles  of 
clothing,  which  had  been  supplied  principally  by  the  slop- 
shops ;  and  their  knitting  produced  from  sixty  to  a  hundred 
pairs  of  socks  and  stockings  every  month.  Their  earnings 
averaged  about  eighteen-pence  per  week  for  each  one. 

Elizabeth  Fry  was  informed  that  some  were  still  gaming 
in  the  prison.  She  went  alone,  assembled  the  prisoners,  and 
told  them  what  she  had  heard, — that  she  feared  it  was  true ; 
dwelt  upon  the  sin  of  gaming,  its  evil  effect  upon  their  minds, 
the  interruption  it  gave,  and  the  distaste  it  excited  to  labour ; 
told  them  how  much  the  report  had  grieved  her,  and  said 
"  she  would  consider  it  a  proof  of  their  regard,  if  they  would 
have  the  candour  and  kindness  to  bring  the  cards  to  her." 
She  did  not  expect  they  would  do  it,  as  it  would  be  betray- 
ing themselves.  But  soon  after  she  had  retired  to  the  "ladies' 
room,"  there  was  a  gentle  tap  at  the  door,  and  in  came  a 
trembling  girl,  who,  in  a  manner  that  indicated  real  feeling, 
expressed  her  sorrow  for  having  broken  the  rules  of  so  kind 
a  friend,  and  presented  her  pack  of  cards.  She  was  soon 


1818.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  269 

followed  by  another  and  another,  until  Elizabeth  Fry  had 
received  five  packs,  which  she  burnt  in  their  presence ;  as- 
suring them,  that  so  far  from  its  being  remembered  against 
them,  she  should  "remember  it  in  another  way." 

A  few  days  after  this,  she  took  with  her  some  presents  of 
clothing,  and  calling  the  first  one,  gave  her  a  neat  muslin 
handkerchief.  To  her  surprise  the  girl  said  she  hoped 
Elizabeth  Fry  would  excuse  her  being  so  forward,  but  if  she 
might  say  it,  she  felt  exceedingly  disappointed.  She  had 
hoped  that  Elizabeth  Fry  would  have  given  her  a  Bible  with 
her  own  name  written  in  it,  which  she  would  value  beyond 
anything  else,  and  always  keep  and  read  it.  This  was  irre- 
sistible. The  treasure  so  much  desired  was  brought,  and 
Elizabeth  Fry  assured  a  friend  that  she  never  gave  a  Bible 
which  was  received  with  so  much  interest  and  satisfaction, 
nor  one  that  she  thought  more  likely  to  do  good. 

This  had  been  one  of  the  worst  of  girls,  and  had  behaved 
very  badly  upon  her  trial ;  but  she  conducted  herself  after- 
wards in  so  amiable  a  manner,  that  she  appeared  "almost 
without  a  flaw,"  and  it  was  hoped  "  would  become  a  valuable 
member  of  society." 

One  of  the  prisoners  had  said,  it  was  "  more  terrible  to 
be  brought  up  before  Mrs.  Fry  than  before  the  judge." 
This  was  mentioned,  when  Elizabeth  Fry  was  giving  her 
evidence  before  the  Committee  of  the  House  of  Commons, 
on  which  she  remarked  : — "  I  think  I  may  say  we  have  fuU 
power  among  them,  though  we  use  nothing  but  kindness.  I 
have  never  proposed  a  punishment,  and  yet  I  think  it  is 
impossible,  in  a  well  regulated  house,  to  have  rules  moro 
strictly  attended  to  than  they  are." 

"  Our  habit  is  constantly  to  read  the  Scriptures  to  them 
twice  a  day — many  of  them  are  taught,  some  can  read  a  little 
themselves.  It  has  had  an  astonishing  effect ;  I  never  saw 
the  Scriptures  received  in  the  same  way.  When  I  have 
sometimes  gone  and  said  it  was  my  intention  to  read,  they 


270  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1818. 

would  flock  up  stairs  after  me  as  if  it  were  a  great  pleasure 
I  had  to  afford  them." 

When  asked  by  the  committee  if  the  ladies  confined  them- 
selves to  the  reading  of  the  Scriptures,  without  inculcating 
any  peculiar  doctrine,  Elizabeth  Fry  replied, — "We  consider, 
from  the  situation  we  fill,  as  it  respects  the  public,  as  well  as 
the  poor  creatures  themselves,  that  it  would  be  highly  inde- 
corous to  press  any  peculiar  doctrine  of  any  kind, — any 
thing  beyond  the  fundamental  doctrines  of  Scripture." 

The  Committee  had  obtained  a  pardon  for  one  poor  woman, 
of  whom  Elizabeth  Fry  said,  "  We  taught  her  to  knit  in  the 
prison.  She  is  now  living  respectably  out  of  it,  and  in  part 
gains  her  livelihood  by  knitting." 

"  One  poor  woman,  to  whom  we  lent  money,  comes  every 
week  to  my  house  and  pays  two  shillings.  We  give  part  and 
lend  part,  to  accustom  them  to  habits  of  punctuality  and 
honesty." 

A  man,  who  was  executed,  left  his  wife  in  the  prison, 
under  sentence  of  death.  They  had  eight  children.  On 
being  asked  respecting  her,  Elizabeth  Fry  replied, — "I  heard 
her  state  to  a  gentleman,  that  it  had  been  a  very  great  bless- 
ing to  her  to  be  at  Newgate,  and  I  think  there  has  been  a 
very  great  change  in  her.  Her  case  is  now  before  Lord  Sid- 
mouth," — hoping  for  a  pardon. 

On  rewards,  Elizabeth  Fry  replied, — "  We  divide  our 
women  into  classes,  with  monitors." — "  They  not  only  have 
the  earnings  of  their  work,  but  we  endeavor  to  stimulate 
them  by  a  system  of  marks ;  for  a  certain  number  of  good 
marks  at  a  fixed  period,  they  are  rewarded  with  such  prizes 
as  we  think  proper — articles  of  clothing,  or  Bibles  and 
Testaments."  The  matron  superintends  the  classes. 

The  committee  inquired  if  some  prisoners  had  not  suffered 


1818.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  271 

from  want  of  clothing  ?  Elizabeth  Fry  said,  "I  could  describe 
such  scenes  as  I  should  hardly  think  it  delicate  to  mention." 
— A  woman  had  been  brought  in  recently,  with  "hardly  a 
covering,  no  stockings,  and  only  a  thin  gown.  We  provided 
clothing  immediately  for  the  woman,  and  for  her  baby,  which 
was  born  a  few  hours  after  she  came  in." 

When  asked  if  she  thought  any  reformation  could  be 
effected  without  employment,  she  replied — "I  should  believe 
it  impossible.  We  may  instruct  as  we  will,  but  if  we  allow 
them  their  time,  and  they  have  nothing  to  do,  they  naturally 
must  return  to  their  evil  passions." 

Elizabeth  Fry  closed  her  evidence  before  the  Committee 
of  the  House  of  Commons,  with  the  following  remarks  : — 
"  I  will  just  add,  that  I  believe,  if  there  were  a  prison  fitted 
np  for  us,  which  we  might  visit  as  inspectors — if  employ- 
ment were  found  for  our  women,  little  or  no  communica- 
tion allowed  with  the  city,  and  room  given  to  class  them, 
with  female  servants  only — if  there  were  a  thousand  of  the 
most  unruly  women,  they  w  uld  be  in  excellent  order  in  one 
week.  Of  that  I  have  not  the  least  doubt." 

This  examination  took  place  on  the  27th  of  Second  Month, 
1818,  ten  months  after  the  "Ladies'  Association"  had  been 
formed.  In  the  report  of  this  Parliamentary  Committee,  the 
following  sentence  occurs :  — "  The  benevolent  exertions  of 
Mrs.  Fry  and  her  friends,  in  the  female  department  of  the 
prison,  have  indeed,  by  the  establishment  of  a  school,  by  pro- 
viding work  and  encouraging  industrious  habits,  produced 
the  most  gratifying  change.  But  much  must  be  ascribed  to 
unremitting  personal  attention  and  influence." 

Crimes  of  almost  every  grade  and  description  were  then 
punishable  with  death.  In  regard  to  forgery,  a  case  was 
hardly  to  be  conceived  in  which  it  was  not  made  a  capital 
crime  ;  and  the  law  recognised  no  distinction  between  the 
systematic  forger  and  the  foolish  lad  or  confiding  female 
who,  misled  by  others,  became  their  dupes  and  victims.  So 
sanguinary  a  law,  if  carried  fully  into  effect,  would  have  ex- 


272  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRT.  [1818. 

acted  an  average  of  more  than  four  executions  per  day,  ex- 
clusive of  First-day,  in  Great  Britain  and  Ireland.  To  lessen 
this  fearful  sacrifice  of  human  life,  every  possible  expedient 
was  adopted.  The  police  often  connived  at  the  escape  of 
those  whom  they  pretended  to  seek  ;  jurors  often  seized  with 
avidity  extenuating  circumstances,  to  satisfy  their  con- 
sciences in  returning  a  verdict  of  "not  guilty;"  and  judges 
often  leaned  to  the  side  of  mercy,  granting  respites  and  re- 
prieves, when  cases  of  those  under  sentence  of  death  were 
considered  in  council. 

"A  Society  for  Diffusing  Information  on  the  Subject  of 
Punishment  by  Death''  had  been  formed  in  1808,  when  Wil- 
liam Allen  convened  a  little  band  of  seven  patriotic  men  at 
his  own  house,  who  organised  a  committee  on  capital  punish- 
ments ;  and  Sir  Samuel  Romilly,  whose  attention  had  been 
directed  to  the  severity  of  the  criminal  code,  determined  to 
attempt  an  amelioration  of  it,  and  to  begin  with  the  act  of 
Queen  Elizabeth,  which  made  it  a  capital  offence  for  one  to 
steal  privately  from  the  person  of  another.  He  was  sup- 
ported in  this  by  Lord  Holland  and  the  Marquis  of  Lans- 
downe.  Sir  Samuel  Romilly  renewed  his  attacks  upon  this 
code,  though  almost  single-handed,  every  succeeding  session, 
— changing  his  plan  of  operation  as  circumstances  required, 
— until  his  humane  exertions  were  terminated  by  death, 
in  1818.  His  bill  to  remove  the  penalty  of  death  for 
shoplifting,  in  1810,  was  rejected  by  the  Peers,  when  the 
following  protest  was  presented : — 

"  Dissentient. — 1st.  Because  the  statute  proposed  to  be 
repealed  appears  to  us  unreasonably  severe,  inasmuch  as  it 
punishes  with  death  the  offence  of  stealing  property  to  a  very 
inconsiderable  amount,  without  violence  or  any  other  aggra- 
vation. 

"  2dly.  Because,  to  assign  the  same  punishment  for  heinous 
crimes  and  slight  offences,  tends  to  confound  the  notions  of 
tight  and  wrong,  to  diminish  the  horror  atrocious  guilt 


1818.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  273 

ought  always  to  inspire,  and  to  weaken  the  reverence  in  which 
it  is  desirable  that  the  laws  of  the  country  should  be  held. 

"  3dly.  Because  severe  laws  are,  in  our  judgment,  more 
likely  to  produce  a  deviation  from  the  strict  execution  of 
justice  than  to  deter  individuals  from  the  commission  of 
crimes  ;  and  our  apprehension  that  such  may  be  the  effect, 
is  confirmed,  in  this  instance,  by  the  reflection,  that  the 
offence  in  question  is  become  more  frequent,  and  the  pun- 
ishment, probably  on  account  of  its  rigour,  is  seldom  or 
never  inflicted. 

"  4thly.  Because  the  value  of  money  has  decreased  since 
the  reign  of  King  William,  and  the  statute  is  consequently 
become  a  law  of  much  greater  severity  than  the  legislature 
which  passed  it  ever  intended  to  enact." 

This  was  signed  by  the  Dukes  of  Sussex  and  Gloucester, 
Lord  Holland  and  the  Marquis  of  Lansdowne. 

On  the  17th  of  Second  Month,  1818,  two  women  were  exe- 
cuted for  forgery.  At  six  o'clock  in  the  morning,  one  of 
them  addressed  the  following  letter  to  Elizabeth  Fry : — 

"  Honoured«Madam  : — As  the  only  way  of  expressing  my 
gratitude  to  you,  for  your  very  great  attention  to  the  care  of 
my  poor  soul,  I  feel  I  may  have  appeared  more  silent  than 
perhaps  some  would  have  been  on  so  melancholy  an  event ; 
but  believe  me,  my  dear  madam,  I  have  felt  most  acutely  the 
awful  situation  I  have  been  in.  The  mercies  of  God  are 
boundless,  and  I  trust,  through  His  grace,  this  affliction  is 
sanctified  to  me,  and  through  the  Saviour's  blood  my  sins 
will  be  washed  away.  I  have  much  to  be  thankful  for.  I 
feel  such  serenity  of  mind  and  fortitude.  God  of  His  infinite 
mercy,  grant  I  may  feel  as  I  do  now  in  the  last  moments  ! 
Pray,  madam,  present  my  most  grateful  thanks  to  the  worthy 
Dr.  Cotton  and  Mr.  Baker,  and  all  our  kind  friends  the 
ladies,  and  Mrs.  Guy.  It  was  a  feeling  I  had  of  my  own 
unworthiness  made  me  more  diffident  of  speaking  as  was  per- 
35 


274  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1818. 

haps  looked  for.  I  once  more  return  you  my  most  grateful 
thanks.  It  is  now  past  six  o'clock.  I  have  not  one  moment 
to  spare.  I  must  devote  the  remainder  to  the  service  of  my 
offended  God. 

"With  respect,  your  humble  servant, 

"  CHARLOTTE  NEWMAN." 

She  added,  that  Mary  Ann  James  (who  was  to  be  executed 
with  her)  felt,  as  she  hoped,  all  that  she  had  expressed. 

Those  under  sentence  of  death  for  forgery  were  apt  to 
consider  themselves  "  more  sinned  against  than  sinning," — 
that  they  were  the  victims  of  a  harsh  and  cruel  law,  which 
made  property  of  more  value  than  human  life, — and  thus, 
being  the  injured  parties,  they  were  to  die  more  as  martyrs 
than  as  criminals.  On  the  same  day  that  brought  poor 
Newman's  letter,  Elizabeth  Fry  received  one  from  William 
Wilberforce. 

"  Kensington  Gore,  17th  Feb.,  1818. 

"  My  dear  Madam : — I  think  I  need  not  assure  you  that  I 
have  not  forgotten  you  this  morning.  In  truth,  having  been 
awake  very  early,  and  lying  in  peace  and  comfort  and  safety, 
the  different  situation  of  the  poor  women  impressed  itself 
strongly  on  my  mind. 

"  I  shall  be  glad,  and  Mrs.  Wilberforce  also,  I  assure  you, 
to  hear  that  your  bodily  health  has  not  suffered  from  your 
mental  anxiety,  and  I  will  try  to  get  a  sight  of  you,  when  I 
can,  to  hear  your  account  and  remarks  on  the  effects  of  the 
last  few  days,  both  on  the  poor  objects  themselves  and  their 
prison  companions. 

"With  real  esteem  and  regard,  I  am,  my  dear  madam, 
"  Yours  very  sincerely, 

"  W.  WILBERFORCE." 

The  circumstances  at  Newgate,  which  had  been  wont  to 
pass  unheeded,  and  almost  unknown,  save  to  a  few  heart- 
stirred  philanthropists,  now  attracted  the  attention  and  ex- 


1818.]  LIFE   OP  ELIZABETH  FRY.  275 

cited  the  interest  of  great  numbers  among  the  varied  classes 
in  society.  During  the  spring  of  this  year,  executions  had 
become  so  frequent,  that  they  were  made  subjects  for  investi- 
gation, and  for  public  as  well  as  private  discussion.*  The 
sanguinary  provisions  of  the  penal  code  were  beheld  with  a 
sentiment  of  disapprobation,  and  even  abhorrence,  before 
unfelt.  The  wretched  tenants  of  the  "  condemned  cells," 
after  having  received  the  sentence  of  death  at  the  Old  Bailey, 
awaited,  with  mingled  hope  and  fear,  the  decision  of  the 
Council,  by  whom  some  were  selected  for  mercy,  the  others 
to  suffer  the  extreme  penalty  of  the  law.  No  reasons  were 
assigned  by  the  Council  for  this  distinction ;  each  one,  there- 
fore, hoped  to  escape  the  dreadful  doom  Among  those  who 
were  waiting  in  this  state  of  terrible  suspense,  was  a  young 
woman  named  Harriet  Skelton.  There  was  something  pecu- 
liarly teaching  in  the  case  of  this  poor  creature.  "  A  child 
might  have  read  her  character  in  her  countenance — open, 
confiding,  affectionate,  possessing  strong  feelings,  but  neither 
hardened  in  depravity,  nor  capable  of  cunning."  Under  the 
influence  of  the  man  whom  she  loved,  she  had  been  induced 
to  pass  some  forged  notes:  "  thus  adding  another  to  the  dis- 
mal list  of  those  who,  with  the  finest  impulses  of  our  nature, 
uncontrolled  by  religion,  have  been  lured  to  their  own  de- 
struction." Skelton  was  ordered  for  execution ;  the  sentence 
was  unlooked-for ;  "  her  deportment  in  the  prison  had  been 
good,  amenable  to  regulations,  quiet  and  orderly.  Some  of 
her  companions  in  guilt  were  heard  to  say,  that  they  sup- 
posed she  was  chosen  for  death,  because  she  was  better 

*  The  heart  sickens  at  the  thought  how,  even  in  the  last  generation, 
human  life  was  recklessly  sacrificed.  Persons  convicted  of  compara- 
tively small  crimes  paid  the  forfeit  of  life ;  some  of  thorn  might, 
unquestionably,  have  become  reformed  and  useful.  The  late  Charles 
Wesley,  in  a  letter  to  his  friend  John  Fletcher,  vicar  of  Madely,  dated 
"June  30th,  1776,"  says,  "A  fortnight  ago  I  preached  the  condemned 
sermon  to  above  20  criminal*.  Every  one  of  them,  I  liavc  good  grounds 
to  believe,  died  penitent.  20  more  must  die  next  week  !  I  See  Mcmovr  of 
Elizabeth  Mortimer,  p.  101. 


276  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1818 

prepared  than  the  rest  of  them."  Elizabeth  Fry  was  vehe- 
mently urged  to  exert  herself  on  behalf  of  this  unhappy 
woman.  She  made  various  attempts — one  through  the  Duke 
of  Gloucester,  who  with  other  dwellers  in  palaces  and  lordly 
halls,  visited  the  poor  convict  in  Newgate ;  and  "  his  former 
companion  in  the  dance"  led  the  Duke  through  the  gloom 
and  darkness  of  that  most  gloomy  of  prisons — a  new  scene 
indeed  to  him,  and  to  many  others,  who,  through  life,  had 
been  "nursed  on  the  downy  lap  of  ease,"  in  luxurious  abodes, 
that  strangely  contrasted  with  the  "  dark  vaulted  passages — 
the  clanking  fetters — the  offensive  smell — the  grating  sound 
as  the  heavy  key  was  turned — the  massive  bolts  drawn  back — 
and  the  iron-sheathed  door  forced  reluctantly  opien,"  unac- 
customed, and  as  if  unwilling,  to  admit  such  guests. 

The  Duke  of  Gloucester  made  a  noble  effort  to  save  Skelton, 
by  an  application  to  Lord  Sidmouth ;  he  also  accompanied 
Elizabeth  Fry  to  the  Bank  Directors  :  but  all  entreaties  were 
in  vain.  Lord  Sidmouth  was  annoyed  by  Elizabeth  Fry's 
earnest  solicitations,  and  highly  offended  at  some  disclosures 
which  involved  a  degree  of  censure  on  the  Bank  Directors. 
There  were,  in  the  case,  circumstances  of  collusion,  on  the 
part  of  some  who  were  concerned  in  bringing  this  unfortu- 
nate creature  to  the  gallows,  of  which  Elizabeth  Fry  might 
perhaps  have  spoken  with  a  degree  of  freedom  that  exceeded 
the  limits  of  strict  prudence :  but  who  can  read  the  tale 
without  a  strong  and  sympathetic  interest  in  her  humane 
appeal  for  mercy  ?  or  without  deep  regret,  as  well  as  surprise, 
that  this  appeal  could  have  been  regarded  in  the  light  of  an 
offence  ?  and  how  does  the  emotion  acquire  intensity,  when 
we  contemplate  the  dreadful  severity  of  an  enactment,  which, 
within  a  few  years  afterwards,  was,  through  the  aroused  and 
resistless  force  of  public  opinion,  expunged  from  the  statute- 
book! 

The  claims  of  mercy  had  rendered  it  very  important  to 
Elizabeth  Fry  that  she  should  have  access  to  the  Secretary 
of  State.  She  had  been  wont  to  intercede  with  Lord  Sid- 


1818.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  277 

mouth  on  behalf  of  those  whom  his  decision  might  either 
consign  to  an  untimely  and  ignominious  death,  or  award  a 
further  term  of  earthly  probation.  But  now  her  influence 
with  him  was  lost.  She  endeavoured,  by  a  personal  inter- 
view, to  remove  the  unfavourable  impressions  which  he  had 
imbibed,  and  to  convince  him  that,  although  she  might  have 
erred  in  judgment,  her  intentions  had  been  upright,  and  her 
desire  sincere  not  to  oppose  his  wishes.  But  all  was  in  vain : 
his  heart  was  steeled  against  remonstrances,  and  nothing  but 
pain  resulted  from  the  interview.  Elizabeth  Fry  had  been 
accompanied  in  this  unsatisfactory  visit  by  the  excellent 
Countess  Harcourt,  one  of  the  ladies  of  the  Court;  and 
under  her  special  care  and  protection  had,  on  the  same  day, 
reluctantly,  and  with  a  heavy  heart,  to  mingle  in  a  very 
different  scene,  and  to  encounter  objects  of  a  remarkably 
opposite  character.  The  aged  Queen  Charlotte,  who,  through 
a  lengthened  life,  had  appeared  little  moved  by  questions  of 
a  philanthropic  character,  her  interests  being  much  confined 
within  the  sphere  of  her  court  and  its  cold  formalities  and 
etiquette,  had  heard  of  the  wonderful  changes  in  Newgate 
and  elsewhere,  wrought  through  the  instrumentality  of  Eliza- 
beth Fry,  and  had  become  impressed  by  the  evidences  of  an 
awakened  and  powerfully  religious  feeling,  which  had  begun 
to  operate  on  the  minds  of  some  persons  of  rank  and  influ- 
ence, who  had  witnessed  the  labours  of  this  devoted  woman ; 
and,  on  the  occasion  of  a  public  examination  of  the  children 
of  some  large  metropolitan  schools  in  the  Egyptian  Hall  of 
the  Mansion  House,  the  Queen  intimated  her  desire  to  be 
present,  and  requested  that  Elizabeth  Fry  would  also  attend 
on  the  occasion.  This  was  an  injunction  that  could  not,  with 
any  degree  of  propriety,  be  disregarded  ;  and  accordingly, 
though  as  she  says  against  her  will,  Elizabeth  Fry,  in  com- 
pany with  the  Countess  Ilarcourt,  repaired  thither.  It  had 
been  intended  that  she  should  be  presented  to  the  Queen  in 
the  drawing  room — this  would  have  been  much  more  select 
and  agreeable — but,  through  some  misunderstanding,  Ladj 


278  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1818. 

Harcourt  and  Elizabeth  Fry  were  conducted  to  the  hall,  and 
placed  on  the  side  of  the  platform,  which  was  crowded  with 
waving  feathers,  jewels,  and  orders ;  several  of  the  bishops 
standing  near  her,  the  great  hall  lined  with  spectators,  and 
in  the  centre  hundreds  of  poor  children  from  the  different 
schools.  Elizabeth  Fry  was  an  object  of  general  attraction. 
After  a  time  the  Queen  perceived  her,  and  advanced  to 
address  her.  It  was  a  striking  scene,  and  painted  by  an 
artist — the  diminutive  stature  of  the  Queen,  covered  with 
diamonds,  but  her  countenance  lighted  with  an  expression 
of  pleasure  and  of  the  kindest  benevolence, — Elizabeth  Fry's 
tall  figure,  clad  in  her  simple  Friend's  dress,  her  counte- 
nance a  little  flushed,  but  preserving  her  wonted  calmness  of 
look  and  serious  dignity  of  manner.  The  spectators  of  this 
remarkable  interview,  with  a  murmur  of  applause,  hailed  the 
scene  before  them,  as  the  meed  of  approval  offered  by  royalty 
at  the  shrine  of  mercy  and-  good  works. 

The  fatigue  of  the  day  proved  too  much  for  the  Queen's 
declining  bodily  powers.  In  the  succeeding  autumn  she 
finished  her  earthly  course.  It  was  a  cause  of  much  satis- 
faction to  the  many  who  cherished  an  interest  in  her  eternal 
well-being,  that  the  power  of  religion  increasingly  influenced 
her  mind,  as  she  approached  the  confines  of  a  never-ending 
state  of  existence.  During  her  last  illness,  in  the  Ninth 
Month  of  this  year,  the  Countess  Harcourt,  in  a  letter  to 
Elizabeth  Fry,  says , — 

"  We  are  at  present  in  great  anxiety  on  account  of  the  poor 
Queen.  I  wish  she  had  had  the  advantage  of  knowing  you 
earlier,  and  more  intimately.  But  I  believe  her  opinions  on 
religious  subjects,  are  what  you  would  highly  approve,  and 
Mrs.  Bendorff  who  never  leaves  her,  reads  and  prays  with 
her  constantly,  and  has  done  so,  at  all  periods.  The  conduct 
of  the  two  Princesses  is  most  exemplary,  but  I  much  fear 
Princess  Augusta's  health  is  declining,  and  her  nerves  are 
very  much  shook.  If  the  Duke  of  Gloucester  had  not  kindly 
32 


1818.]  LIFE  OP  ELIZABETH   FRY.  279 

suffered  the  Duchess  to  remain,  and  share  this  painful  duty 
with  Princess  Augusta,  she  must  have  sunk  under  it.  Prin- 
cess Sophia  is  also  very  ill,  at  Windsor,  from  her  extreme 
anxiety.  The  distressed  state  of  the  Royal  Family  should 
prove,  that  there  are  none  of  those  circumstances,  that  are 
called  advantages,  that  can  even  alleviate,  much  less  exempt 
the  possessors  from  the  misfortunes  common  to  mortality. 
The  lesson  is  a  useful  one,  and  so  is  the  patience  and  resigna- 
tion with  which  the  Queen  bears  her  sufferings,  and  her 
family  bear  their  sorrows.  I  am  told  the  Queen  shows  a 
particular  gentleness  and  gratitude  to  all  around  her,  making 
no  complaints,  even  when  in  agonies  of  pain.  Her  strength 
of  constitution,  which  is  very  great,  is  probably  the  cause  of 
the  protraction  of  her  sufferings,  and  the  period  may  still  bo 
prolonged  some  days,  or  it  may  terminate  in  a  moment." 


1818 — 1823.  Engagements  in  the  Prison — Convict  ships — The  Maria 
— Visitors  to  Newgate — Letter  from  Lady  Mackintosh — Lord  Lans- 
downe's  speech— Scotch  journey — Letter  from  the  Countess  Harcourt 
— Takes  her  sons  to  school — Illness — Journey  in  consequence — Let- 
ter to  prisoners — Letters  to  hersonsandPriscillall.  Gurney — Afflic- 
tion in  her  family — Scripture  readings  in  Newgate — Female  convicts 
in  New  South  Wales — Journey  into  the  North  of  England — Letters 
to  her  daughter,  Walter  Venning,  &c. — Foreign  Prisons — Death  of 
her  sister  Priscilla  Gurney — Capital  punishments — Mackintosh's 
Motion — Buxton's  speech — Prison  Discipline  Meeting — Marriage  of 
a  daughter — Visits  to  several  Meetings — Death  of  a  sister-in-law — 
Letter  to  the  Princess  Royal  of  Denmark — To  J.  J.  Gurney — Sale 
of  prisoners'  work — Convict  ships — Interesting  visit  to  one  of  them 
— Letter  from  the  Duchess  of Attends  Bristol  Quarterly  Meet- 
ing, &c. — Reflections. 

AFTER,  the  arduous  exertions  and  interests  of  the  winter 
of  1817—18,  it  was  no  small  relief  to  Elizabeth  Fry  and  her 
family,  to  return  to  Plashet :  and  she  writes — 

Plashet,  Fourth  Month,  29th. — May  we  more  evidently 
live  in  the  best  sense,  even  unto  God.  Since  I  last  wrote,  I 
have  led  rather  a  remarkable  life ;  so  surprisingly  followed 
after  by  the  great,  and  others  in  my  Newgate  concerns ;  in 
short,  the  prison  and  myself  are  become  quite  a  show,  which 
is  a  very  serious  thing,  in  many  points.  I  believe,  that  it 
certainly  does  much  good  to  the  cause,  in  spreading  amongst 
all  ranks  of  society  a  considerable  interest  in  the  subject ; 
also  a  knowledge  of  Friends,  and  of  their  principles :  but 
my  own  standing  appears  critical  in  many  ways.  In  the 
first  place,  the  extreme  importance  of  my  walking  strictly, 
and  circumspectly,  amongst  all  men,  in  all  things ;  and  not 
bringing  discredit  upon  the  cause  of  truth  and  righteousness. 
(280) 


1818.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  281 

In  the  next  place,  after  our  readings  there,  the  ministry  is  a" 
most  awful  calling,  thus,  publicly  amongst  men,  to  be  in 
season  and  out  of  season.  I  desire  to  live,  (more  particularly 
in  these  things,)  in  the  fear  of  God  rather  than  of  man,  and 
that  neither  good  report,  nor  evil  report,  the  approbation 
nor  disapprobation  of  men,  should  move  me  the  least,  but 
my  eye  should  be  kept  quite  single  to  the  great  and  good 
Shepherd  and  Bishop  of  souls  ;  this  is  my  continual  prayer 
for  myself. 

That  the  desire  for  preservation,  so  continually  raised  in 
her  heart,  was  graciously  answered,  we  have  many  evidences. 
We  observe,  in  the  journal  of  William  Allen,  the  following 
notices  of  these  important  engagements  at  Newgate,  of  which 
she  so  feelingly  speaks. 

"  Second  Month,  8th,  1818. — Went  with  E.  J.  Fry  and 
Cornelius  to  Newgate.  About  one  hundred  women  prisoners 
were  collected,  and  behaved  in  a  most  exemplary  manner. 
E.  J.  Fry  read  the  seventh  chapter  of  Luke  to  them  in  a 
solemn  manner,  and  made  some  comments  upon  it  very 
sweetly.  '  I  thought  a  precious  degree  of  power  attended. 
I  also  ventured  to  address  them,  and  felt  peace." 

"  Fifth  Month,  21th. — Professor  Pictet  and  his  son  Charles 
Vernet  went  with  me  to  Gracechurch-street  Meeting.  I 
afterwards  accompanied  them  to  meet  E.  J.  Fry  at  Newgate. 
The  Duke  of  Leinster  and  the  Swedish  Ambassador  were 
there.  It  was  a  solemn  time.  E.  J.  Fry  read  a  psalm,  and 
was  afterwards  engaged  in  prayer.  Hannah  Field  also  sup- 
plicated, and  Mary  Sanderson  spoke  in  ministry." 

"  Seventh  Month,  14?A,  1820. — I  accompanied  the  Mar- 
quis Pucci  to  Newgate.  E.  J.  Fry  read  to  about  sixty 
female  prisoners.  They  seemed  in  excellent  order.  The 
reading  was  followed  by  a  solemn  pause,  and  supplication 
from  E.  J.  Fry." 

Similar  memoranda  of  the  religious  opportunities  that  often 
occurred  in  the  prison,  might  be  multiplied  from  the  pens  of 
36 


282  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1818 

many  excellent  persons  ;  and,  frequently,  the  visitors  of  every 
class,  and  the  prisoners  themselves,  were  equally  affected.  A 
near  relative  of  the  Duke  of  Wellington  said  he  was  "  amazed 
at  the  reverence  of  Elizabeth  Fry  in  reading  the  Scriptures, 
and  at  the  attention  of  the  prisoners."  His  heart  melted 
into  tenderness  while  he  listened  to  her  faithful  and  com- 
passionate addresses  to  her  serious  congregation:  he  had 
never  before  seen  anything  like  it.  He  was  an  officer  in  the 
navy,  and  it  was  remarked  by  one  who  was  present,  "  When 
Elizabeth  Fry  kneeled  down  and  offered  prayer  in  the  blessed 
name  of  our  great  High  Priest,  Jesus  Christ,  as  our  only 
Mediator  and  Advocate  with  the  Father,  for  the  Divine 
mercy,  and  pardon,  and  grace,  to  rest  upon  all  present,  for 
their  salvation  and  eternal  glory,  the  captain  was  overcome : 
he  burst  into  tears  and  wept  like  a  child." 

A  fresh  object  of  interest  now  opened  upon  the  attention 
of  the  "Ladies'  Newgate  Association."  The  removal  of  the 
female  convicts  for  transportation :  and  the  circumstances 
under  which  those  whom  they  so  anxiously  desired  to  benefit, 
were  to  pass  the  long  and  dreary  months  of  confinement  on 
ship-board. 

Previous  to  the  commencement  of  those  efforts  which  pro-t 
duced  such  a  marvellous  change  in  the  conduct  of  these 
unhappy  women,  it  had  been  usual,  on  their  departure  for 
the  convict  ships,  to  have  them  conveyed  from  the  prison  to 
the  water-side  in  open  waggons,  generally  amidst  assembled 
crowds, — the  prisoners  and  those  who  surrounded  them  being 
alike  riotous  and  noisy,  the  disorder  being  maintained  on  the 
road  and  in  the  boats.  Elizabeth  Fry  prevailed  on  the  Gover- 
nor to  consent  to  their  being  moved  in  hackney  coaches.  She 
then  promised  the  women,  that  if  they  would  be  quiet  and  or- 
derly, she  and  others  of  the  visitors  would  accompany  them  to 
Deptford,  and  see  them  on  board  the  Maria  convict  ship ;  ac- 
cordingly, when  the  time  came,  no  disturbance  took  place ; 
the  women  in  hackney  coaches,  with  turnkeys  in  attendance, 
formed  a  procession,  which  was  closed  by  her  carriage,  and 


1818.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  283 

the  women  behaved  well  upon  the  road.  "When  on  board  the 
ship,  Elizabeth  Fry  and  her  co-adjutors  were  distressed  to  see 
so  many  women  and  children  herded  together  below  deck. 
They  were  to  be  divided  into  messes  of  six  each,  and  as  each 
woman  must,  of  necessity,  associate  the  most  with  those  of 
her  own  mess,  it  seemed  to  be  a  good  opportunity  to  class 
and  number  them.  This  was  no  sooner  proposed,  than 
accepted  by  all  concerned  in  the  arrangement ;  they  were 
divided  into  classes  of  twelve,  including  the  monitor,  chosen 
from  the  number  by  the  women  themselves.  As  far  as  pos- 
sible, those  whose  ages  or  criminality  were  similar  were 
placed  together,  each  class  contained  two  messes.  The 
superintendence  thus  became  as  complete,  as  the  nature  of 
the  case  would  permit.  There  were  one  hundred  and  twenty- 
eight  convicts,  besides  their  children. 

Employment  and  instructidn  were  still  wanting ;  the  women 
complained  of  having  nothing  to  do.  To  procure  work  for  a 
hundred  and  twenty-eight  persons,  during  so  long  a  voyage, 
appeared  to  be  a  hopeless  endeavour  ;  and  even  if  it  could  be 
obtained  from  Government  or  individuals,  that  it  would  be 
useless  to  give  it  to  them,  with  no  responsible  person  to  take 
charge  either  of  its  execution  or  appropriation.  The  visitors 
were  told  that  patchwork  and  fancywork  found  a  ready  sale 
in  New  South  Wales.  They  accordingly  made  it  known  that 
they  required  little  pieces  of  coloured  cotton,  for  this  pur- 
pose ;  and  in  a  few  days,  enough  were  sent  from  the  different 
Manchester  houses  in  London,  fully  to  supply  them  with 
work,  aided  by  some  knitting.  The  time  and  ingenuity 
required  in  patchwork,  rendered  it  a  particularly  suitable 
occupation  ;  and  as  the  convicts  were  to  have  the  things  when 
done,  to  sell  for  their  own  profit  on  arrival,  it  was  evidently 
their  interest  to  turn  their  skill  to  the  best  account.  By  this 
means,  another  important  good  was  effected  ;  for  at  that  time, 
no  factory  or  barrack  of  any  description  existed,  for  the 
reception  of  the  women  when  landed  in  the  colony ;  not  so 
much  as  a  hut  in  which  they  could  take  refuge,  so  that  they 


284  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH     FRY.  [1818. 

were  literally  driven  to  vice,  or  left  to  lie  in  the  streets.  The 
proceeds  of  their  industry  on  board  ship,  though  small,  would 
enable  such  as  desired  it,  to  obtain  shelter  until  engaged  as 
servants,  or  until  they  could  find  some  respectable  means  of 
subsistence.  A  fact  that  occurred  the  following  year,  in  the 
Wellington  female  convict  ship,  showed  the  correctness  of 
this  opinion,  and  how  well  patchwork  had  answered  the  in- 
tended purpose  ;  for  when  that  ship  touched  at  Rio  de  Janeiro, 
the  quilts  made  by  the  women  were  there  sold  for  a  guinea 
each.  Bibles,  prayer-books,  and  religious  tracts,  were  placed 
under  the  care  of  each  monitor,  for  the  use  of  her  class  ; 
arrangements  were  also  made,  that  those  who  could  not  read 
and  wished  to  learn,  should  have  an  opportunity  of  doing  so. 
But  though  some  provision  was  thus  made  for  the  neces- 
sities of  the  women,  the  poor  children  were  still  in  misery 
and  in  ignorance,  fourteen  of  them  were  of  an  age  to  receive 
instruction;  with  some  difficulty,  a  small  space  of  the  vessel 
was  set  apart  for  a  school :  there,  during  the  greater  part  of 
the  day,  the  children  were  taught  to  read,  knit,  and  sew ; 
one  of  the  convicts  undertook  to  be  school-mistress,  for 
whom  a  reward  was  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  captain,  pro- 
vided she  persevered  in  her  duties  to  the  end  of  the  voyage. 
During  the  five  weeks  that  the  ship  lay  in  the  river,  some 
members  of  the  "Association"  devoted  much  of  their  time 
to  making  these  arrangements.  The  expense  of  <£T2  10s.  was 
incurred  in  working  materials,  aprons  for  the  women,  and 
additional  clothing  for  the  most  destitute.  The  good  effects 
of  these  regulations  were  speedily  seen,  but  none  were  san- 
guine as  to  their  continuing  in  force  after  the  ship  had  fairly 
put  to  sea,  and  there  would  be  no  longer  any  stimulus  or  in- 
ducement to  persevere.  The  captain,  a  very  respectable 
man,  died  suddenly  at  Calcutta,  on  the  voyage  home,  which 
prevented  its  being  ascertained  with  certainty,  how  long,  or 
to  what  extent  the  plans  were  beneficial.  The  only  person 
who  could  give  or  enforce  an  order,  was  the  surgeon-super- 
intendent, appointed  by  Government  to  the  care  of  the 


1818.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  285 

women.  In  this  instance,  the  appointment  had  fallen  on  a 
man  who  did  not  take  even  the  least  interest  in  the  moral 
organization  of  the  convict  ship.  The  last  time  that  Eliza- 
beth Fry  was  on  board  the  Maria,  whilst  she  lay  at  Deptford, 
was  one  of  those  solemn  and  interesting  occasions  that  leave 
a  lasting  impression  on  the  minds  of  those  who  witness  them. 
There  was  great  uncertainty  whether  the  poor  convicts  would 
see  their  benefactress  again.  She  stood  at  the  door  of  the 
cabin,  attended  by  her  friends  and  the  captain  ;  the  women, 
on  the  quarter-deck  facing  them.  The  sailors  anxious  to  see 
what  was  going  on,  climbed  into  the  rigging,  upon  the  cap- 
stan, or  mingled  in  the  outskirts  of  the  group.  The  silence 
was  profound — when  Elizabeth  Fry  opened  her  Bible,  and,  in 
a  clear,  audible  voice,  read  a  portion  from  it.  The  crews  of  the 
other  vessels  in  the  tier,  attracted  by  the  novelty  of  the  scene, 
leaned  over  the  ships  on  each  side,  and  listened  apparently 
with  great  attention ;  she  closed  the  Bible,  and  after  a  short 
pause,  knelt  down  on  the  deck,  and  implored  a  blessing  on 
this  work  of  Christian  charity  from  that  God,  who,  though 
one  may  plant  and  another  water,  can  alone  give  the  increase. 
Many  of  the  women  wept  bitterly,  all  seemed  touched ;  when 
she  left  the  ship,  they  followed  her  with  their  eyes  and  their 
blessings,  until  her  boat  having  passed  within  another  tier  of 
vessels,  they  could  see  her  no  more. 
But  we  return  to  her  own  journal. 

Plashet,  Seventh  Month,  1st. — Since  I  last  wrote,  much  has 
happened  to  me  ;  some  things  have  occurred  of  an  important 
nature.  My  prison  engagements  have  gone  on  well,  and 
many  have  flocked  after  me,  may  I  not  say  of  almost  all 
descriptions,  from  the  greatest  to  the  least ;  and  we  have  had 
some  remarkably  favoured  times  together  in  the  prison.  The 
Yearly  Meeting  was  a  very  interesting  one  to  me,  and  also 
encouraging.  I  felt  the  unity  of  Friends  a  comfort  and  sup- 
port. I  had  to  go  into  the  Men's  Meeting,  which  was  a  deep 
trial  of  faith,  but  it  appeared  called  for  at  my  hand,  and 


286  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1818. 

peace  attended  giving  up  to  it.  The  unity  which  the  women 
expressed  at  my  going,  and  the  good  reception  I  found 
amongst  the  men,  were  comforting  to  me;  but  it  was  a  close, 
very  close,  exercise.  Although  I  have  had  much  support 
from  many  of  my  fellow-mortals,  and  so  much  unity  expressed 
with  me,  both  in  and  out  of  our  Society — yet  I  believe  many 
Friends  have  great  feara  for  me  and  mine ;  and  some,  not 
Friends,  do  not  scruple  to  spread  evil  reports,  as  if  vanity  or 
political  motives  led  me  to  neglect  a  large  family.  I  desire 
patiently  to  bear  it  all,  but  the  very  critical  view  that  is  taken 
of  my  beloved  children,  grieves  me  much. 

From  the  very  diverse  habits  of  thought  in  different  indi- 
viduals—'habits  engendered  by  education,  by  pre-conceived 
notions,  and  by  the  influences  of  association  and  natural 
temperament — the  opinions  of  men  will  ever  widely  vary — 
most  especially  on  subjects  with  which,  from  their  novelty, 
they  may  be  but  slightly  acquainted.  It  was  thus,  in  reference 
to  the  calling  and  engagements  of  the  excellent  person  whose 
course  is  described  in  this  volume.  She  was,  at  times, 
heavily  oppressed  under  the  effect  of  conflicting  views ;  yet, 
sustained  by  the  evidences,  often  vouchsafed,  that  an  Almighty 
Helper  was  her  Friend  and  Guide,  she  was  enabled,  with 
singleness  of  purpose,  to  pursue  her  efforts  for  the  welfare  of 
her  fellow-creatures,  and  for  the  reconciliation  with  God  of 
spirits  alienated  from  Him  by  wicked  works.  His  blessing 
rested  on  her  labours,  and  some,  at  least,  were  brought  to  a 
saving  knowledge  of  their  gracious  Redeemer.  And  unto 
Him  she  ascribed  all  praise. 

8th. — My  heart  is  too  full  to  express  much  ;  yesterday,  I 
had  a  very  interesting  day  at  Newgate,  with  the  Chancellor 
of  the  Exchequer,  and  many  other  persons  of  consequence ; 
much  in  the  cross  to  myself,  I  had  to  express  a  few  words  in 
supplication  before  them,  but  the  effect  was  solemn  and  satis- 
factory. After  this  I  felt  peaceful  and  comforted ;  sometimes 


1818.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  287 

I  think,  after  such  times,  I  am  disposed  to  feel  as  if  that  day's 
work  was  done,  and  give  way  to  cheerful  conversation,  with- 
out sufficiently  waiting  for  the  fresh  manifestations  of  the 
Spirit,  and  abiding  under  the  humiliations  of  the  Cross. 

It  is  needful  now  to  revert  to  the  excitement  produced  in 
the  public  mind,  as  the  circumstances  of  the  remarkable 
transformation  effected  in  Newgate,  became  generally  known. 
The  visits  of  Elizabeth  Fry  were  the  theme  of  conversation 
among  all  ranks,  and  the  accounts  circulated  of  the  interesting 
scenes  which  were  to  be  witnessed  there,  brought  a  strange 
variety  of  persons  to  that  abode  of  sorrow.  It  would  be  too 
much  to  say  that  all,  who  then,  or  in  after  times,  attended 
the  readings  in  Newgate,  were  actuated  by  high  and  holy 
feelings  in  desiring  admittance ;  but  if  a  list  of  the  names  of 
the  visitors  could  be  published,  it  would  prove  how  strong 
was  the  simpathy  felt  among  the  nobly  born,  and  richly 
endowed  with  intellectual,  as  well  as  worldly,  wealth. 

Sir  James  Mackintosh  became,  in  Parliament,  a  powerful 
advocate  for  the  reform  of  the  penal  code.  A  letter  from 
Lady  Mackintosh  to  Elizabeth  Fry  (published  by  special 
permission),  Is  strikingly  interesting,  as  a  testimony  to  the 
effect  of  the  arduous  labours  in  the  prison.  "We  give  an 
extract : — 

"  I  have  had  a  note  from  Sir  James,  in  which  is  the  follow- 
ing passage,  I  cannot  resist  copying  it,  in  the  hope  of  your 
pardon  for  doing  so.  *  I  dined  Saturday,  June  3d,  at 
Devonshire  House.  The  company  consisted  of  the  Duke  of 
Norfolk,  Lords  Lansdowne,  Lauderdale,  Albemarle,  Cowper, 
Hardwicke,  Carnarvon,  Sefton,  Ossulston,  Milton,  Dun- 
cannon,  &c.  The  subject  was  Mrs.  Fry's  exhortation,  to 
forty-five  female  convicts,  at  which  Lord  -  -  had  been 
present  on  Friday.  He  could  hardly  refrain  from  tears  in 
speaking  of  it.  He  called  it  the  deepest  tragedy  he  had  ever 
witnessed.  What  she  read  and  expounded  to  the  convicts, 


288  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1818. 

•with  almost  miraculous  effect,  was  the  4th  chapter  to  tho 
Ephesians.  Coke  (of  Norfolk)  begged  me  to  go  with  him 
next  Friday;  I  doubt  whether,  as  that  is  the  day  of  my 
motion,*  I  shall  be  able  to  go,  and  whether  it  be  prudent  to 
expose  myself  to  the  danger  of  being  'too  much  warmed  by 
the  scene,  just  before  a  speech  in  which  I  shall  need  all  my 
discretion.' 

"  As  the  above  extract  was  only  intended  for  my  eye,  I  am 
sure  you  will  so  consider  it.  My  motive  for  submitting  it  to 
you  is  twofold ;  that  you  may  not  be  ignorant  how  much 
your  great  work  of  mercy  contributes  to  inspire  good  feelings, 
and  to  supply  pure  and  edifying  subjects  of  conversation  at 
the  tables  of  the  most  illustrious  persons  in  the  country,  for 
rank  and  talents." 

Among  the  visitors  were  to  be  found  persons,  who,  as  friends 
of  humanity,  came  to  ascertain  the  truth  of  all  that  they 
had  heard  ;  actuated  by  the  same  motives,  bishops,  clergy- 
men, and  other  ministers  of  religion  resorted  thither.  It 
will  at  once  be  seen  how  the  concurring  testimony  of  indi- 
viduals, distinguished  in  such  various  ways,  must  have  influ- 
enced public  opinion  in  favour  of  a  mode  of  treatment  which, 
in  the  course  of  a  few  weeks,  had  struck  at  the  root  of  the 
more  glaring  evils,  so  lately  existing  in  the  principal  metro- 
politan prison  of  England.  Nor  can  it  be  doubted  that  the 
influx  of  visitors,  objectionable  as  it  must  be  considered  in 
itself,  and  injurious  as  it  would  be,  in  a  well-ordered  prison, 
was  then  an  important  means  of  spreading  knowled  .  •  and 
exciting  interest,  and  thus  assisting  to  prepare  the  w..y  for 
the  improvements  in  Prison  Discipline  subsequently  effected. 
It  appears  highly  probable  that  the  rapidity  and  ease  with 
which  legislative  enactments  on  these  subjects  were  after- 
wards carried,  may  be  chiefly  attributed  to  what  had  been 
seen  and  heard  in  Newgate. 

*  For  the  revision  of  the  Penal  Laws. 


1818.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  289 

On  the  Third  of  Sixth  Month,  1818,  the  Marquis  of  Lans- 
downe  moved  an  address  to  the  Prince  Regent,  on  the  state 
of  the  prisons  of  the  United  Kingdom.  In  his  speech,  after 
stating  appalling  facts  as  to  the  increase  of  crime  within 
the  preceding  ten  years,  attributing  it  to  various  causes,  es- 
pecially to  the  vicious  and  deplorable  condition  of  the  prisons 
themselves,  he  made  this  observation  in  reference  to  Newgate : 

"  It  was  impossible  from  the  manner  in  which  it  was  con- 
stantly crowded,  to  apply  any  general  system  of  regulations. 
There,  it  was  necessary  to  place  several  felons  in  the  same 
cell,  and  persons,  guilty  of  very  different  descriptions  of 
offences,  were  mixed  together.  The  consequences  were  such 
as  might  be  expected,  notwithstanding  all  the  efforts  of  that 
very  meritorious  individual  (Mrs.  Fry),  who  had  come  like 
the  Genius  of  Good  into  this  scene  of  misery  and  vice,  and 
had,  by  her  wonderful  influence  and  exertions,  produced,  in 
a  short  time,  a  most  extraordinary  reform  among  the  most 
abandoned  class  of  prisoners.  After  this  great  example  of 
humanity  and  benevolence,  he  would  leave  it  to  their  lord- 
ships how  much  good,  persons  similarly  disposed,  might  effect 
in  other  prisons,  were  the  mechanism,  if  he  might  use  the 
expression,  of  those  places  of  confinement  better  adapted  to 
the  purposes  of  reformation.  The  institution  of  the  great 
Penitentiary-house  was  likely  to  be  attended  with  great 
advantages,  though  he  did  not  approve  of  all  the  regulations. 
That  establishment  was  a  great  step  taken  in  the  important 
work  of  reformation.  He  was  aware  there  were  persons 
who  considered  all  expense  of  this  kind  as  useless,  who 
thought  that  all  that  could  be  done  was  to  provide  for  the 
safe  custody  of  prisoners,  and  that  attempts  to  reform  them 
were  hopeless.  Let  those  who  entertain  this  notion,  go  and 
see  what  had  been  effected  by  Mrs.  Fry  and  other  benevolent 
persons  in  Newgate.  The  scenes  which  passed  there,  would 
induce  them  to  alter  their  opinion.  There  were  moments  when 
the  hardest  hearts  could  be  softened  and  disposed  to  reform," 
37 


290  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1818. 

After  reading  this  sentence,  delivered  in  the  house  of 
Lords,  and  published  in  all  the  journals  of  the  day,  it  causes 
no  surprise,  to  find  that  admittance  into  Newgate  was  sought 
with  eager  curiosity  by  all  sorts  of  persons ;  to  many  of 
whom,  admission  could  not,  with  any  propriety,  have  been 
refused  by  either  magistrates,  officers,  or  ladies.  Incon- 
veniences arose  from  it,  but  at  this  juncture,  of  prison  refor- 
mation, they  were  greatly  outweighed  by  its  effects  in  diffu- 
sing information  and  calling  attention  to  the  subject. 

The  members  of  "the  Ladies'  Committee"  had,  at  this 
time,  effected  several  minor  arrangements  to  lessen  the  temp- 
tations, and  increase  the  reasonable  comforts  of  the  prisoners. 
There  had  been  a  great  consumption  of  beer  amongst  them. 
In  order  to  prevent  this  evil,  they  engaged  a  sub-matron  or 
gate-keeper,  who  assisted  in  the  lodge,  and  amongst  other 
duties,  superintended  a  little  shop,  which  had  been  estab- 
lished, as  it  is  quaintly  expressed  in  their  minute-book, 
"between  gates,"  where  tea,  sugar,  a  little  haberdashery, 
and  other  equally  harmless  articles,  were  sold  to  the  prison- 
ers. The  communication  between  them  and  their  acquaint- 
ances outside  the  prison,  being  so  much  restricted,  lessened 
their  supplies  from  that  quarter,  and  the  prison  allowance 
being  scarcely  sufficient,  this  plan  was  resorted  to,  in  order 
to  meet  their  necessities,  and  ensure  their  portion  of  the 
earnings  being  expended  in  a  proper  manner. 

But,  amidst  all  her  interests  of  a  public  nature,  how  great 
was  Elizabeth  Fry's  solicitude  respecting  her  own  children, 
and  for  the  blessing  of  preservation  to  herself ! 

Plashet,  Seventh  Month,  24th. — I  have  many  causes  of 
deep  anxiety  at  this  time.  What  to  do  with  our  boys,  for 
the  best,  has  occupied  much  of  my  consideration,  and  at 
present  I  see  no  other  way  than  continuing  them  at  school ; 
but  I  do  not  acknowledge  too  much,  if  I  say  that  it  is  the 
prayer  of  my  heart  that  a  kind  Providence  may  open  the 
way  for  their  going  to  the  best  place  for  them,  wherever  it 
may  be,  and  deep  is  the  craving  of  my  spirit,  that  they  may, 


1818.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  291 

in  the  end,  go  on  well.  0  Lord  !  I  beseech  Thee,  whatso- 
ever Thou  mayst  be  pleased  to  do  with  them,  whether  to 
grant  them  health  or  sickness,  riches  or  poverty,  long  life  or 
short  life,  oh,  for  Thy  beloved  Son's  sake,  give  them  not  over 
to  the  will  of  their  enemies,  but  establish  their  goings  in  Thy 
paths ;  put  a  new  song  into  their  mouths,  even  praises  to 
Thee,  their  God.  And  seeing,  gracious  Lord,  that  in  a  very 
marvellous  manner,  Thou  hast  been  pleased  to  make  a  way 
for  Thy  child  and  servant,  where  she  could  see  no  way — 
how,  in  a  wonderful  manner  Thou  restored  her  in  early  life, 
showed  Thyself  to  be  on  her  side,  when  spiritually  her  ene- 
mies appeared  ready  to  overcome  and  destroy  her,  and  how 
also  in  many  and  various  seasons,  "Thou  hast  made  dark- 
ness light  before  her,  and  crooked  paths  straight,"  how  Thou 
hast  been  pleased  to  raise  her  from  season  to  season,  from 
the  bed  of  languishing  ;  how  Thou  hast  temporally  cared 
for  her,  and  answered  her  prayer,  when  it  appeared  likely 
even  that  she  would  be  scarcely  provided  for,  how  Thou 
hast  helped  her  in  spirit,  at  seasons,  to  do  Thy  will,  to 
see  into  the  glorious  mysteries  of  Thy  kingdom,  how  Thou 
hast  aided  her  in  her  weakness,  and  enabled  her  to  over- 
come the  extreme  fear  of  man  ;  and  to  declare  Thy  doings 
amongst  the  people,  and  to  show  Thy  marvellous  works 
to  the  children  of  meb,  even  from  princes  and  prelates,  to 
the  poorest,  lowest,  and  most  destitute ;  so  as,  in  a  remark- 
able manner,  to  bring  to  pass  what  she  saw  for  herself  in 
early  life,  though  as  through  a  glass  darkly,  which  others 
more  clearly  saw  for  her,  and  had  to  declare  unto  her  ;  and 
seeing,  gracious  Lord,  and  almighty  Saviour,  how  Thou  hast 
been  pleased  to  deal  with  Thy  unworthy  servant,  to  increase 
in  her  even,  at  seasons,  mightily  and  powerfully  the  know- 
ledge of  Thee  her  God,  and  Christ  Jesus  her  Lord. — : — Be 
pleased  to  help  her  in  the  like  precious  faith,  and  preserve 
her  from  the  many  snares  of  the  enemy ;  let  not  the  spirit  of 
the  world,  or  its  applause,  ever  entangle  her ;  nor  the  reproach 
of  any,  not  even  of  the  good,  unduly  discourage  her ;  but  let 


292  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1818. 

her  be  increasingly  Thine  own,  and  at  all  times,  at  all  seasons, 
and  in  every  place,  by  whomsoever  surrounded,  give  unto 
Thee  the  Glory  due  unto  Thy  name,  and  worship  Thee  in 
the  beauty  of  holiness :  and  let  neither  heights,  nor  depths, 
life,  nor  death,  nor  any  other  thing,  ever  separate  her  from 
Thy  love :  but  enable  her,  0  Lord !  at  all  times,  and  at  all 
seasons,  and  in  every  place,  and  by  whomsoever  surrounded,  to 
glorify  Thy  great  and  ever  excellent  name,  with  Thy  beloved 
Son,  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord.  And  with  regard  to  her  beloved 
family,  be  unto  them,  what  Thou  hast  been  unto  her  ;  even 
their  Guide,  and  their  Guard,  their  God  and  their  Saviour ; 
and  make  a  way  for  them,  where  their  poor  mother  sees  no 
way  for  them.  Amen,  says  my  unworthy  soul ;  cast  down, 
but  not  destroyed ;  afflicted,  but  not  in  despair ;  at  times 
almost  comfortless,  but  not  forsaken ;  at  other  times  abounding 
in  the  joy  and  blessing  of  my  God. 

In  the  Eighth  Month,  Elizabeth  Fry  left  home  to  visit 
Scotland,  and  the  North  of  England,  accompanied  by  her 
brother  Joseph  John  Gurney,  his  wife,  and  one  of  her  own 
daughters. 

Belford,  Northumberland,  Eighth  Month,  25th. — For  some 
months  I  have  looked  to  attending  the  General  Meeting  in 
Scotland,  but  it  appeared  almost  impossible,  my  home-claims 
being  so  very  strong — indeed,  the  Monthly  Meeting  before 
the  last,  it  came  with  great  weight  so  as  to  frighten  me ;  but 
I  neither  saw  outward  way  for  it,  nor  did  I  feel  the  heart 
made  willing ;  but  as  I  have  so  often  found  when  there  is  a 
real  "  putting  forth,"  way  is  made  within  and  without ;  so  it 
has  been  now,  all  my  sweet  flock  are,  I  trust,  carefully  pro- 
vided for ;  not  only  outward  way  has  been  made,  but  the 
willing  heart  also  granted,  and  I  had  remarkably  sweet  peace 
and  relief  in  being  willing  to  give  up  to  it ;  such  an  evidence 
that  I  think  it  remains  undoubted  in  my  mind.  Friends  ap- 
peared to  feel  much  unity  with  me,  which  was  a  help.  My 


1818.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  293 

beloved  brother  Joseph,  and  sister  Jane,  joining  me,  has  been 
much  cause  for  humble  thankfulness  ;  it  has  made,  what  would 
have  been  very  hard  to  flesh  and  blood,  comparatively  sweet 
and  easy ;  we  are  a  united  band  in  spirit  and  in  nature ; 
Joseph  a  very  great  help  in  the  ministry.  I  think  he  is,  and 
will  yet  be  more  abundantly,  an  instrument  of  honour  in  his 
Master's  hand.  We  have  sat  four  Meetings,  visited  sevefral 
families  of  Friends,  and  inspected  many  prisons,  which  is  one 
of  our  objects.  In  our  religious  services,  our  gracious  Helper 
has  appeared  very  near ;  we  have  gone  on  in  them  with  much 
nearness  and  unity ;  we  know  the  blessed  truth  that,  as  we 
abide  in  Christ,  we  are  one  in  Him.  I  have  felt,  at  seasons, 
as  leaving  all  for  my  Master's  sake,  and  setting  out  without 
much  of  purse  or  scrip :  but  how  bountifully  I  am  provided 
for,  internally  and  externally ;  the  Great  Shepherd  of  the 
sheep  has  been  near  to  me  in  spirit,  as  strength  in  my 
weakness,  riches  in  my  poverty,  and  a  present  helper  in  the 
needful  time ;  I  may  say, — 

"  Are  these  Thy  favours  day  by  day, 

To  me  above  the  rest  ? 
Then  let  me  love  Thee  more  than  they, 

And  try  to  serve  Thee  best." 

Conflicts  have  attended,  and  no  doubt  will  attend  me ;  but  I 
look  upon  it  as  an  honour,  a  favour,  and  a  blessing,  even  to 
suffer  in  the  Lamb's  army,  if  we  may  but  be  of  the  number 
of  his  soldiers,  who  fight  the  good  fight  of  faith,  and  are,  in 
any  degree,  permitted  to  promote  the  cause  of  truth  and 
righteousness  upon  earth. 

Aberdeen,  29/A. — I  have  felt  low  upon  arriving  here  ;  five 
hundred  miles  from  my  beloved  husband  and  children ;  but 
a  good  account  of  them  is  cause  for  thankfulness,  still  it  is  a 
deeply  weighty  thing,  and  I  have  to  try  my  ground  again  and 
again.  In  almost  every  new  place,  the  language  of  my  spirit 
is,  Why  am  I  hero  ?  At  this  place  we  find  several  other 
Friends,  also  travelling  in  the  ministry,  which  makes  me  feel 


294  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FEY.  [1818. 

it  the  more ;  but  as  my  coming  is  not  of  my  own  choice,  or 
my  own  ordering,  I  desire  to  leave  it ;  and  to  commit  myself, 
my  spirit  and  body,  and  all  that  is  dear  to  me,  absent  and 
present,  to  Christ  my  Redeemer.  We  visited  the  old  Barclay 
seat,  at  Ury,  where  our  mother 's  forefathers  once  lived.  How 
great  the  change  from  what  it  once  was  ! 

Stonehaven,  Ninth  Month,  2nd. — We  left  Aberdeen  this 
afternoon,  having  finished  our  services  there,  and  at  Kin- 
muck,  where  several  Friends  reside.  Other  Friends  besides 
ourselves  being  at  Aberdeen,  certainly  tended  to  increase  my 
exercise,  for  fear  of  the  ministry  not  going  on  well,  or  by  not 
keeping  in  our  ranks ;  but  I  think  that  we  were  enabled 
to  do  so,  and  although  much  passed,  yet  we  had  cause  for 
thankfulness,  inasmuch  as  there  appeared  to  be  harmonious 
labour  for  the  advancement  of  truth,  and  the  spreading 
thereof.  Our  General  Meeting  at  Aberdeen  was  ended  un- 
der a  feeling  of  quiet  peace;  but  fears  crept  in  for  myself, 
that  I  had  fallen  away  a  little  as  to  life  in  the  truth,  and 
power  in  the  ministry,  for  I  did  not  experience  that  over- 
flowing power  which  I  have  sometimes  done  at  such  seasons ; 
still  gracious  help  was  granted  me  from  season  to  season. 
The  day  after  the  General  Meeting,  we  went  to  Kinmuck, 
about  fifteen  miles  north  of  Aberdeen ;  a  short  time  after  our 
arrival  there,  before  I  went  to  Meeting,  such  a  feeling  of 
suffering  came  over  me  as  I  can  hardly  express ;  it  appeared 
only  nervous,  as  I  was  so  well  in  body,  that  I  could  not 
attribute  it  to  that ;  it  continued  exceedingly  upon  sitting 
down  in  Meeting,  and  led  me  into  deep  strong  supplication, 
that  the  enemy  might  by  no  means  deceive  us,  or  cause 
our  ministry  to  be  affected  by  anything  but  the  holy 
anointing.  I  feared  if  this  awful  state  had  to  do  with 
those  present,  that  I  should  have  something  very  close  to 
express  j  if  only  with  myself,  I  considered  that  it  might  be  a 
refining  trial.  However,  Joseph  knelt  down,  in  the  begin- 
ning of  the  Meeting,  as  well  as  myself,  and  afterwards  he 
spoke  as  if  he  felt  it  necessary  to  warn  some  to  flee  from  their 


1818.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  295 

evil  ways,  and  from  the  bondage  of  Satan.  This  tended  to 
my  relief ;  but  it  appeared  as  if  I  must  follow  him,  and  rise 
with  these  words,  "  The  sorrows  of  death  compassed  me 
about,  the  pains  of  hell  gat  hold  upon  me ;"  then  enlarging 
upon  the  feeling  I  had  of  the  power  of  the  enemy,  and  the 
absolute  need  there  is  to  watch,  to  pray,  and  to  flee  unto 
Christ,  as  our  only  sure  refuge  and  deliverer ;  I  had  to 
show  that  we  might  be  tried  and  buffeted  by  Satan,  as  a 
further  trial  of  faith  and  of  patience,  but  that  if  we  did  not 
yield  to  him,  it  would  only  tend  to  refinement.  After  a  time 
I  felt  greatly  relieved,  but  what  seemed  remarkable  was,  that 
neither  Joseph  nor  I  dared  to  leave  the  Meeting,  without  once 
more  bowing  the  knee  for  these  dear  Friends  ;  but  after  all 
this  very  deep  and  remarkable  exercise,  a  solemn  silence 
prevailed,  really  as  if  truth  had  risen  into  dominion ;  and 
after  my  making  some  such  acknowledgment  in  testimony, 
that  our  low  estate  had  been  regarded,  that  our  souls  could 
then  magnify  the  Lord,  and  our  spirits  rejoice  in  God  our 
Saviour,  that  light  had  risen  in  obscurity,  and  darkness  had, 
in  measure,  become  as  the  noon-day,  and  the  encouragement 
it  was  for  us  to  run  with  patience  the  race  that  was  set  before 
us,  &c.,  the  Meeting  concluded  ;  and  I  think  upon  shaking 
hands  with  the  Friends,  there  hardly  appeared  an  eye  that 
had  not  been  weeping  amongst  those  that  were  grown  up. 
This  whole  exercise  waa  very  remarkable,  in  a  nice  little 
country  Meeting,  and  the  external  so  fair ;  but  afterwards  we 
heard  of  one  or  two  painful  things,  one  in  particular ;  we 
visited  nearly  all  the  families,  were  pleased  with  some  of 
them  :  their  mode  of  living  truly  humble,  like  our  cottagers. 
The  next  day  we  had  a  Meeting  with  a  few  Friends  in 
Aberdeen,  where  the  exercise  was  not  very  great,  and  the 
flow  in  the  ministry  sweet,  and  I  trust  powerful.  We  parted 
from  our  beloved  old  friends,  John  and  Elizabeth  Wigham, 
their  children,  and  children's  children,  and  arc  now  on  our 
way  to  Edinburgh. 

Ilawick,  13th  — I  may  thankfully  acknowledge  being  BO 
far  on  our  \v:iy,  but  our  journey  through  life  is  a  little  like  a 


296  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1818. 

common  journey  ;  we  may,  after  a  day's  travelling,  lie  down 
and  rest,  but  we  have  on  the  morrow  to  set  off  again  upon 
our  travels :  so  I  find  my  journey  in  life,  I  am  not  unfre- 
quently  permitted  to  come,  for  a  short  time,  to  a  sweet, 
quiet  resting-place  ;  but  I  find  that  I  soon  have  to  set  forth 
again.  I  was  glad  and  relieved  in  leaving  Aberdeen,  and 
then  a  fresh  work  began  in  Edinburgh  ;  on  Seventh-day,  we 
visited  the  prisons,  accompanied  by  some  gentlemen,  the 
Lord  Provost  and  others.  Here  we  were  much  interested. 
On  First-day,  we  went  in  the  morning  to  Meeting,  and  were 
favoured  to  do  well,  many  were  not  Friends  ;  and  what  were 
my  feelings  in  the  evening,  to  find  a  considerable  number  of 
people,  quite  a  Public  Meeting.  It  gave  me  a  great  deal  of 
alarm,  but  we  had  a  good  Meeting,  and  I  trust  the  cause  was 
exalted.  The  morning  before  we  came  away,  about  eighteen 
gentlemen  and  ladies  came  to  breakfast  with  us,  amongst 
them  Sir  George  and  Lady  Grey,  good  people,  whom  I  have 
long  wished  to  know  :  we  had,  after  breakfast,  a  solemn  time. 
Alexander  Cruickshank  read,  and  afterwards  I  knelt  down, 
and  I  think  we  were  drawn  together  in  love  and  unity  of 
spirit.  We  arrived  at  Glasgow  that  evening,  and  the  next 
day  visited  the  prisons,  and  formed  a  Ladies'  Committee. 
We  visited  some  families  the  next  day,  and  accompanied  by 
several  gentlemen,  magistrates,  and  others,  we  again  went  to 
the  Bridewell  and  Prison,  where  I  had  to  start  the  Committee 
in  their  proceedings ;  it  was  awful  to  me,  having  to  bow  the 
knee  for  a  blessing,  before  so  many  who  were  strangers  to 
our  ways,  but  blessed  be  the  Lord,  the  power  of  truth  ap- 
peared to  be  over  all,  so  that  I  remembered  these  words, 
"  Rejoice  not  that  the  spirits  are  made  subject  unto  you,  but 
rather  rejoice  that  your  names  are  written  in  heaven."  We 
had  two  M«etings,  one  in  the  morning  for  Friends,  but  many 
others  came,  and  one,  to  my  deep  humiliation,  in  the  evening, 
for  the  public ;  awful  work  as  it  was,  we  were  favoured  to 
get  through  well,  and  to  leave  Glasgow  with  clear  minds. 
We  have  since  travelled  through  great  part  of  Cumberland, 


1818.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  297 

attended  many  Meetings  there,  some  very  important  ones, 
and  some  highly  favoured  by  the  Presence  and  the  Power  of 
the  Most  High  ;  thence  to  Kendal. 

At  Liverpool  was  the  next  Meeting  we  attended,  it  was  a 
large  public  one,  and  so  it  has  been  in  many  places.  I  deeply 
felt  it,  I  hardly  dared  to  raise  my  eyes  because  of  the  feathers 
and  ribbons  before  me ;  however,  best  help  was  afforded,  to 
my  very  great  relief  and  consolation  ;  truth  appeared  to  be 
in  great  dominion.  After  a  sweet  uniting  time  with  the 
Benson  family,  we  left  Liverpool  for  Knowsley,  the  seat  of 
the  Earl  of  Derby,  as  we  had  a  pressing  invitation  from  Lady 
Derby ;  we  were  received  with  the  utmost  kindness  and 
openness  by  all  this  very  large  household  ;  a  palace  was  now 
our  allotment ;  a  cottage  has  been  so  during  our  journey. 
My  internal  feeling  was  humiliation  and  self-abasement. 

Knowsley ,  24th. — Here  we  are,  all  the  family  about  to  be 
collected  for  a  religious  opportunity ;  Lord,  be  pleased  to  be 
with  us,  to  own  us  by  Thy  life-giving  presence,  and  help  us, 
by  Thy  Spirit,  for  it  is  a  very  awful  time.  Make  us,  Thy 
unworthy  children,  fit  for  Thy  service,  and  touch  our  lips  as 
with  a  live  coal  from  Thy  altar,  for  we  are  unworthy  to  take 
Thy  great  and  ever-excellent  name  into  our  mouths  ;  Thou, 
Lord,  only  knowest  the  state  of  Thy  unworthy  servant :  help 
her  infirmities,  blot  out  her  transgressions,  and  enable  her  to 
show  forth  thy  praise,  if  consistent  with  Thy  Holy  Will,  that 
all  may  be  more  abundantly  converted  unto  Thee,  and  brought 
into  the  knowledge  of  Thy  beloved  Son,  Christ  Jesus  our 
Lord! 

Sheffield,  26th. — After  writing  the  above,  I  was  summoned 
into  the  dining-room,  where  the  family  were  assembled — I 
should  think,  in  all,  nearly  a  hundred.  My  beloved  brother 
read  the  third  chapter  of  John ;  there  was  then  a  solemn 
pause,  and  I  found  it  my  place  to  kneel  down,  praying  for  a 
blessing  upon  the  house  and  family,  and  giving  thanks  for 
the  mercies  bestowed  upon  them ;  particularly  in  the  time  of 
their  affliction,  in  having  been  supported  by  the  everlasting 
38 


298  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1818. 

Arm;  and  prayer  arose  for  its  being  sanctified  to  them. 
The  large  party  appeared  humbled  and  tendered — then 
dearest  Joseph  arose,  and  was  greatly  helped  by  the  power 
of  the  Spirit — I  followed  him  with  a  few  words.  Many  of 
the  party  were  in  tears ;  some  exceedingly  affected.  Joseph 
then  knelt  down,  greatly  helped ;  the  service  principally  fell 
upon  him.  After  he  rose,  I  reminded  them  of  the  words  of 
our  blessed  Redeemer,  "  that  whosoever  giveth  a  disciple  a 
cup  of  cold  water  in  the  name  of  a  disciple,  shall  receive  a 
disciple's  reward  ;"  this,  I  said,  I  humbly  trusted  would  be 
their  case.  I  also  alluded  to  their  servants'  kindness  in  the 
same  way.  Thus  ended  this  memorable  occasion.  It  was 
like  what  we  read  of  in  Friends'  journals  formerly,  when  the 
power  appeared  to  be  over  all  in  a  very  extraordinary  man- 
ner. I  remember  in  John  Richardson's  journal  some  such 
an  account.  So  it  is, — and  this  is  not,  and  cannot  be,  our 
own  work ;  surely  it  is  the  Lord's  doing,  and  marvellous  in 
our  eyes ! 

Earlham,  Tenth  Month,  6th. — Once  more  arrived  at  this 
interesting  place,  that  has  so  long  been  a  home  to  me.  I  will 
go  back  to  where  I  left  off.  Our  visit  to  Sheffield  was  an 
important  one ;  I  had  so  deeply  to  feel  for  a  beloved  Friend, 
who  Has  long  been  a  mother  in  Israel,  under  heavy  family 
affliction.  Oh,  what  I  felt  for  her  in  Meeting,  and  out  of 
Meeting,  I  cannot  describe ;  my  spirit  was  in  strong  inter- 
cession for  her  preservation  and  support,  under  these  deep 
tribulations.  We  had  a  favoured  meeting  in  the  morning, 
though  I  had  indeed  to  go  through  the  depths  before  I  as- 
cended the  heights.  By  the  desire  of  my  dear  brother,  we 
had  a  Public  Meeting  in  the  evening,  which  was  well  got 
through,  but  not  without  suffering.  We  then  proceeded 
to  York ;  I  can  hardly  express  how  deeply  I  felt  entering 
that  Quarterly  Meeting;  "fears  gat  hold  upon  me,"  still 
hope  arose  underneath,  that  this  end  of  our  services,  as  to 
our  northern  journey,  would  crown  all — and  so  I  think  it 
proved — not  only  from  service  to  service,  and  from  Meeting 


1818.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  299 

to  Meeting,  did  the  holy,  blessed,  anointing  Power,  appear 
to  be  abundantly  poured  forth  upon  the  speakers,  but  upon 
the  hearers  also ;  that  where  I  feared  most,  I  found  least  to 
fear ;  such  unity  of  spirit,  such  a  flow  of  love  and  life,  as 
quite  refreshed,  encouraged,  and  comforted  my  soul.  I 
was  much  rejoiced  to  find  so  many  fathers  and  mothers 
amongst  them.  "Bless  the  Lord,  0  my  soul !  and  all  that 
is  within  me  bless  His  holy  name." — "Praise  and  exalt 
Him,  above  all  for  ever,"  might  then  have  been  the  language 
of  my  soul. 

We  travelled  on  to  Lynn,  and  there  my  brother  with  his 
dear  Jane  left  me.  At  the  Meetings  there,  I  felt  as  if  I  had 
to  minister  almost,  without  the  power,  and  yet  that  I  must 
yield  to  the  service ;  but  I  was  so  fearful  and  weak,  at  both 
Meetings,  that  truth  did  not  appear  in  dominion,  perhaps  I 
found  the  change  after  York,  and  I  missed  my  dear  brother 
Joseph.  I  often  minister  as  if  in  bonds,  this  is  very  hum- 
bling—=-so  many  fears,  so  many  doubts  arising ;  this  was  the 
case  in  nearly  all  my  services  during  the  day. 

In  the  course  of  this  northern  journey,  J.  J.  Gurney  and 
his  sister  had  visited  the  prisons  of  the  several  towns  through 
which  they  passed.  They  found  them  to  be  generally 
in  a  condition  of  the  most  disgraceful  neglect — and  the 
hardships,  and  even  cruelty,  endured  by  the  inmates,  were 
harrowing  in  the  extreme  to  the  tender  nature  of  Elizabeth 
Fry. 

But  the  cases  of  the  poor  lunatics,  confined  in  some  of 
those  abodes  of  misery,  made  above  all  a  most  powerful  im- 
pression on  her  heart,  and  induced  a  sympathy,  with  such  as 
were  afflicted  with  this  heaviest  of  physical  maladies,  that 
continued  deeply  to  influence  her  feelings  through  life. 

The  results  of  their  observations  were  published  in  a 
pamphlet — "Notes  on  a  Visit  to  Prisons,  &c.,  by  J.  J. 
Gurney  and  Elizabeth  Fry. 

To  such  persons  as  were  interested  in  Prison  Reform,  this 


300  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1818. 

book  afforded  much  matter  for  reflection.  Whilst  they  de- 
plored the  evils  described,  they  rejoiced  that  they  should 
be  brought  to  light — as  the  first  step  towards  their  being 
remedied. 

The  voice  of  Elizabeth  Fry  was  heard,  and  her  appeals 
were  promptly  responded  to.  Her  brother,  in  writing  of  this 
northern  journey,  says:  "She  exhibited  a  perfect  tact  and 
propriety  in  her  transactions ;"  she  well  knew,  "  when  in 
the  pursuit  of  such  objects,  how  to  soothe  all  asperities,  in- 
fluence all  parties,  and  overcome  the  greatest  difficulties." 
In  confirmation  of  which,  some  passages  may  be  quoted  from 
a  letter,  written  by  a  Scotch  lady,  who  attended  Elizabeth 
Fry  when  she  visited  the  prisons  at  Glasgow : — 

"  She  found  our  prisons  very  badly  managed,"  &c.,  and  "  has 
left  a  letter  for  the  magistrates.  She  had  an  interview  with  them, 
and  this  evening  a  number  of  ladies  met  at  the  Bridewell.  She  told 
them,  with  much  simplicity,  what  had  been  done  at  Newgate.  She 
entered  into  pleasant  conversation  with  every  one,  and  all  were 
delighted  when  she  offered  to  speak  a  little  to  the  poor  women. 
But  the  keeper  of  the  Bridewell  said  he  feared  it  was  a  dangerous 
experiment ;  that  they  never,  but  by  compulsion,  listened  to  reading, 
and  were  generally  disposed  to  turn  any  thing  of  the  kind  into  ridi- 
cule. She  said  that  she  was  not  without  fears  of  this  happening, 
but  she  thought  it  right  to  attempt  it.  The  women,  about  a  hun- 
dred, were  then  assembled  in  -a  large  room,  and  we  went  in,  mis- 
doubting and  anxious.  She  took  off  her  bonnet,  and  sat  down  on  a 
low  seat  fronting  the  women ;  then  looking  at  them  with  a  kind, 
conciliating  eye,  yet  an  eye  that  met  every  eye  there,  she  said,  '  I 
had  better  just  tell  you  what  we  are  come  about.'  She  told  them, 
she  had  to  deal  with  a  great  number  of  poor  women,  sadly  wicked, 
and  in  what  manner  they  were  recovered  from  evil.  Her  language 
was  scriptural, — always  referring  to  our  Saviour's  promises,  and 
cheering  with  holy  hope  these  dissolute  beings.  '  Would  not  you 
like  to  turn  from  that  which  is  wrong  ?  Would  not  you  like  for 
ladies  to  visit  you  and  speak  comfort  to  you,  and  help  you  to  be- 
come better  ?  Surely  you  would  tell  them  your  griefs ;  they  who 
have  done  evil  have  many  sorrows.'  As  she  read  to  them  tho 


1818.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  301 

1  Rules,'  asking  them,  if  approved,  to  hold  up  their  hands,  all  hands 
•were  upraised,  and,  as  soon  as  she  spoke,  tears  began  to  flow.  One 
very  beautiful  girl  near  me  had  her  eyes  swimming  with  tears, 
and  her  lips  moved,  as  if  following  Mrs.  Fry.  One  old  woman, 
who  held  her  Bible,  we  saw  clasping  it  with  emotion  as  she  became 
more  and  more  impressed.  The  hands  were  ready  to  rise  at  every 
pause,  and  these  callous  and  obdurate  offenders  were  with  one  con- 
sent bowed  before  her.  Then  she  took  the  Bible,  and  read  the 
parables  of  the  lost  sheep,  the  piece  of  silver,  and  the  prodigal  son. 

"  It  is  impossible  for  me  to  express  to  you  the  effect  of  her  saintly 
voice,  while  speaking  such  blessed  words.  She  often  paused,  and 
looked  at  the  poor  women  with  a  sweetness  that  won  their  confi- 
dence, applying  with  beauty  and  taste  all  the  parts  of  the  story  to 
them,  and  in  a  manner  I  never  before  heard,  and  particularly  the 
words  '  His  father  saw  him  when  he  was  yet  afar  off.'  A  solemn 
pause  succeeded  the  reading.  Then,  resting  the  large  Bible  on  the 
ground,  we  saw  her  on  her  knees  before  them.  Her  prayer  was 
devout  and  soothing,  and  her  musical  voice,  in  the  peculiar,  sweet 
tones  of  the  Quakers,  seemed  like  the  voice  of  a  mother  to  her 
suffering  child. 

"  In  the  prison  of  Glasgow,  the  emotions  were  much  more  varied 
than  at  Bride  well — astonishing  repugnance,  and,  in  some  instances 
obstinate  resistance  to  listen  ;  in  others,  anxious  desire  to  accept 
her  aid.  She  read  and  conversed  with  them,  and  the  proposal  of 
work,  was,  in  general,  greedily  received.  How  different  were  the 
impressions  in  the  varied  figures  before  her  !  One  old  woman, 
with  the  appearance  of  a  menial  servant  and  hardened  features, 
said,  '  No  !  no  use  work  !'  But  these  rugged  lines  were  at  length 
relaxed,  and  I  saw  a  tear  fall  over  the  brown  visage.  But  it  was 
not  the  prisoners  alone  :  for  there  was  not  a  man  in  the  room  un- 
moved." 

J.  J.  Gurney  and  Elizabeth  Fry  received  many  letters  after 
the  "Notes"  were  published — many  opinions  and  sugges- 
tions were  offered — some  objections  were  raised — but  there 
were  individuals,  and  they  were  not  few  in  number,  nor 
unimportant  in  influence,  Mrho  simply  encouraged  them  in 
their  researches,  and  expressed  warm  desires  for  the  eventual 
success  of  the  cause  they  espoused.  Among  these  letters, 
one  from  the  Countess  Harcourt  may  be  cited,  as  showing 


302  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1819. 

the  impression  made  on  persons  who  possessed  much  of  the 
power  needful  to  apply  remedial  measures. 

"My  dear  and  most  respected  friend, 

"  It  is  impossible  to  have  read  the  excellent  publication, 
giving  an  account  of  your  tour  with  Mr.  Gurney,  without 
being  most  anxious  to  express  the  satisfaction  Lord  Harcourt 
and  I  received  from  the  work.  He  read  it  to  me,  and  there 
was  scarcely  a  page  at  which  we  did  not  stop,  to  exclaim  our 
admiration  of  the  justness  of  the  remarks,,  and  our  earnest 
wishes  that  they  might  prove  the  means  of  ameliorating  the 
system  of  our  prisons.  We  felt  that  each  word  gave  convic- 
tion to  our  minds;  and  the  beauty  of  the  style,  certainly 
added  to  the  gratification  of  reading  it.  Oh !  my  good 
friend,  what  a  blessed  tour  you  have  made,  and  may  Heaven 
reward  your  wonderful  exertions,  by  making  them  effectual 
to  the  purpose  intended. 

"  I  ought  not  to  use  the  word  envy,  but  I  cannot  help 
feeling  the  great  difference  between  the  manner  in  which 
your  life  is  spent  and  my  own.  You  ought  indeed  to  be 
thankful  that  it  has  pleased  God  '  to  put  into  your  mind  good 
desires,'  and  to  have  given  you  health  to  go  through  such 
arduous  undertakings." 

The  Countess  Harcourt  then  proceeds  to  mention  several 
of  the  Royal  Family,  to  whom  copies  of  the  "  Notes  "  were 
sent  by  her ;  and  the  desire  of  the  Princesses  to  receive  a 
visit  from  Elizabeth  Fry. 

Mildred's  Court,  First  Month,  17th,  1819. — I  returned 
home  yesterday  from  leaving  my  dearest  boys  at  Darlington. 
My  joiJrney  was  certainly  a  favoured  and  an  encouraging 
one.  The  situation  for  my  beloved  boys  appears  very  safe 
and  desirable.  I  had  abundant  kindness  and  unity  shown 
me,  particularly  by  my  dearest  sister  Rachel.  I  came  home 
to  many  troubles  and  anxieties,  also  certainly  to  many  com- 


1818.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  303 

forts  and  blessings ;  but  ah  !  gracious  Lord,  be  pleased  to 
conduct  me  safely  through  the  difficulties  that  surround 
me,  and  give  neither  me,  nor  mine,  over  to  the  will  of  our 
enemies. 

The  great  and  varied  exertion?,  to  which  the  duties  of 
Elizabeth  Fry  subjected  her,  proved  too  much  for  her  phy- 
sical strength ;  and  her  health  became  seriously  affected  : 
she  was,  in  consequence,  under  the  necessity  of  yielding  to 
the  wish  of  her  family  and  friends,  by  spending  some  weeks 
in  Sussex,  chiefly  at  Brighton. 

On  becoming  somewhat  recruited  in  strength,  she  wrote 
as  follows : — 

Brighton,  Fourth  Month,  8th. — I  have  once  more  been  to 
Meeting — on  First  day  morning,  on  Third  day,  the  first 
meeting  of  the  Quarterly  Meeting  on  Fourth  day,  and  also 
to  the  Monthly  Meeting.  It  was  sweet  and  refreshing,  to 
assemble  with  some  of  the  outward  church.  In  abundant 
mercy,  strength  was  granted  in  my  great  weakness,  yet  once 
more  to  show  forth  the  praise  of  Israel's  Shepherd ;  deep  as 
my  late  conflicts  have  been,  all  appears  intended  renewedly 
to  stimulate  and  encourage  myself,  as  well  as  others,  to  run 
with  fresh  diligence  the  race  that  is  set  before  us.  The 
language  of  my  heart  is,  "  Though  he  slay  me,  yet  will  I 
trust  in  Him."  A  wonderful  calm  has  been  granted  me 
after  a  very  awful,  and  to  my  fearful  nature,  terrible  storm. 
I  have  through  unmerited  mercy,  had  such  a  sweetness  and 
serenity  over  me,  that  the  cares  and  sorrows  of  life  have  been 
almost  hidden  from  my  view,  and  I  have  hardly  felt  able  even 
to  look  at  them.  These  are  the  dealings  of  a  kind  Providence 
to  an  unworthy  child.  He  has  shown  His  power  in  casting 
down  and  raising  up,  in  wounding  and  making  whole,  blessed 
be  His  name  for  ever.  And  oh  !  dearest  Lord,  whenever 
Thou  mayst  be  pleased  to  lay  me  low  again,  lift  up,  I  beseech 
Thee,  a  standard  against  the  enemy  of  my  soul,  that  he  over- 


304  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FKY.  [1819. 

come  me  not ;  and  when  I  cannot  help  myself,  be  Thou  my 
help  and  my  strength.  And  I  reverently  return  Thee  thanks, 
that  Thou,  gracious  Lord,  hast  manifested  Thyself  to  be  my 
deliverer,  that  Thou  hast  once  more  broken  my  bonds  asun- 
der, brought  my  poor  soul  out  of  prison,  and  not  given  me 
over  to  the  will  of  my  enemies  ;  but  in  Thine  abundant 
mercy,  delivered  me  from  my  fears,  and  I  humbly  trust, 
established  my  goings,  and  put  a  new  song  in  my  mouth, 
even  praises  to  Thee,  my  God  ;  Amen,  and  Amen. 

During  her  stay  at  Brighton,  Elizabeth  Fry  had  the  grati- 
fication of  receiving  from  the  female  prisoners  in  Newgate 
some  very  satisfactory  letters,  bespeaking  much  grateful 
feeling,  and  she  wrote  the  following  answer : — 

Brighton,  Fourth  Month,  4*A,  1819. 

To  the  female  prisoners  in  Newgate,  more  particularly  to 
those  who  are  likely  to  leave  their  native  land,  perhaps  never 
to  return  to  it. 

Although  it  has  pleased  the  Almighty,  that  for  some  time 
I  should  be  separated  from  you  by  illness,  yet  you  have  often 
been  in  my  affectionate  remembrance,  accompanied  with 
anxious  desires  for  your  good.  I  am  fully  sensible  that 
many  of  you  claim  our  pity  and  most  tender  compassion, 
that  many  have  been  your  temptations,  many  your  afflictions, 
and  what  we  may  most  pity  you  for,  is,  that  in  the  time  of 
temptation  you  have  yielded  to  what  is  wrong,  and  so  given 
yourselves  over  to  the  will  of  the  enemy  of  your  souls  ! 
But  mournful  as  your  state  is,  yet  you  may  have  hope,  and 
that  abundantly ;  if  you  only  seek  to  repent,  to  return  from 
the  error  of  your  ways,  and  live  unto  God.  Remember  these 
words,  "  Christ  came  into  the  world  to  save  sinners,"  and 
that  "  He  is  able  to  save  to  the  very  uttermost  those  who 
come  unto  God  by  Him,  seeing  that  He  ever  liveth  to  make 
intercession  for  them."  Therefore,  let  me  intreat  you  before 
it  is  too  late,  to  come  unto  Christ,  to  seek  Him  with  your 


1819.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  305 

heart,  and  to  submit  yourselves  unto  Him  and  His  righteous 
law — for  He  knows  all  your  thoughts  and  all  your  desires, 
and  is  willing  and  ready  to  receive  you,  to  heal  your 
backslidings,  and  to  love  you  freely.  He  was  said  to  be 
the  Friend  of  sinners,  and  those  will  indeed  find  Him  their 
friend,  who  look  to  Him  and  obey  Him — He  will  enable 
such  to  forsake  the  evil  of  their  ways,  and  to  do  that  which 
is  acceptable  in  His  sight.  Do  you  not  remember  in  the 
parable  of  the  Prodigal  Son,  that  when  he  was  yet  afar  off, 
the  Father  saw  him,  had  compassion  on  him,  and  even  went 
out  to  meet  him.  So  I  doubt  not,  you  would  find  it,  even 
sanae  of  you  who  are  now  afar  off  from  what  is  good,  if  you 
are  only  willing  to  return  ;  you  would  find  yourselves  met  by 
your  Lord,  even  with  great  compassion,  and  He  would  do 
more  for  you  than  you  could  ask  or  think.  I  feel  much  love 
for  you,  and  much  desire  for  your  own  sakes,  for  the  sake 
of  others,  and  for  our  sakes,  who  are  willing  to  do  what 
we  can  to  serve  you,  that  you  would  thus  in  heart  seek 
the  Lord,  and  prove  your  love  to  Him,  and  your  re- 
pentance, by  your  good  works  and  by  your  orderly  con- 
duct. I  was  much  grieved  at  the  little  disturbance  amongst 
you  the  other  day,  but  I  was  pleased  with  the  letter  written 
me  by  those  who  were  engaged  in  it,  and  I  quite  forgive 
them.  Let  me  entreat  you,  whatever  trying,  or  even  pro- 
voking things  may  happen,  to  do  so  no  more,  for  you  sadly 
hurt  the  cause  of  poor  prisoners  by  doing  so,  I  may  say 
all  over  the  Kingdom  ;  and  you  thus  enable  your  enemies  to 
say,  that  our  plans  of  kindness  do  not  answer,  and  therefore, 
they  will  not  let  others  be  treated  kindly.  Before  I  bid  you 
farewell,  I  will  tell  you  that  I  am  not  without  a  hope  of 
seeing  you  before  long,  even  before  the  poor  women  go  to 
the  Bay,  but  if  I  do  not,  may  the  blessing  of  the  Lord  go 
with  you  when  on  the  tnighty  deeps,  and  in  a  strange  land. 
What  comfort  would  a  good  account  of  you  give  us,  who 
are  so  much  interested  for  you,  and  in  case  I  should  not  see 
you,  I  have  two  things  particularly  to  mention  to  you  and 
89 


306  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1819. 

guard  you  against — things  that  I  believe  have  brought  most 
of  you  to  this  prison.  The  one  is  giving  way  to  drinking 
too  much,  the  other  is  freedom  with  men.  I  find  I  can 
most  frequently  trace  the  fall  of  women  to  these  two  things, 
therefore  let  me  beseech  you  to  watch  in  these  respects,  and 
let  your  modesty  and  sobriety  appear  before  all ;  and  that 
you  may  grow  in  these  and  every  other  Christian  virtue  and 
grace,  is  the  sincere  desire  and  prayer  of  your  affectionate 
friend,  and  sincere  well-wisher, 

ELIZABETH  FRY. 

We  return  to  the  journal. 

Ninth  Month,  6th. — Since  I  last  wrote,  I  parted  from  my 
beloved  boys  for  school,  John,  William  and  Joseph.  I  felt  a 
good  deal  in  giving  them  up,  but,  at  the  same  time,  believing 
it  to  be  a  right  thing,  I  humbly  trust  that  the  blessing  of  the 
Most  High  will  be  with  them.  My  dearest  sister  Priscilla 
has  been  very  dangerously  ill,  raising  blood  from  the  lungs, 
which  has  brought  me  into  great  feeling  and  conflict.  As  I 
mostly  find  the  case  in  nursing,  it  has  caused  me  afresh  to  see 
my  own  unworthiness;  so  little  do  I  feel  able  to  administer 
spiritual  help,  so  hard  is  it  to  my  nature,  particularly  when 
under  discouragement,  to  wait  upon  my  gift,  or  to  give  it  its 
free  course  ;  but  I  may  thankfully  acknowledge,  that  I  ap- 
peared to  be  a  great  comfort,  help,  and  strength  to  her, 
indeed  her  dependence  was  so  close  upon  me,  that  I  could 
not  leave  the  house  night  or  day,  for  any  length  of  time. 
Her  state  appeared  to  be  indeed  a  bright  and  a  very  blessed 
one ;  so  calm,  so  gentle,  so  humble,  and  so  much  resigned  to 
live,  or  to  die.  Since  I  have  left  her  sick  room,  sorrow  and 
deep  discouragement  have  been  my  portion,  from  the  extreme 
difficulty  of  doing  right  towards  those  most  near ;  it  does 
appear,  at  times,  impossible  for  me,  but  most  likely,  this  arises 
from  want  of  more  watchfulness,  and  more  close  abiding  in 
*he  Light  and  the  Life  of  our  Lord.  When  I  exercise  a 


1819.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  307 

watchful  care  from  seeing  the  dangers  that  attend  some,  it 
seems  to  give  the  greatest  pain,  and  so  causes  me  the  deepest 
discouragement.  Still,  yesterday,  in  the  great,  in  the  bitter 
sorrow  of  my  heart,  I  found,  in  a  remarkable  manner,  the 
power  of  my  Redeemer  near,  even  helping  by  His  own  good 
Spirit  and  presence.  When  I  felt  almost  ready  to  sink — and 
my  footsteps  indeed  ready  to  slip — then  the  Lord  held  me  up. 
In  the  first  place,  after  a  very  little  while,  from  having  been 
deeply  wounded,  my  heart  overflowed  with  love  and  forgive- 
ness towards  the  one  who  had  pained  ine  ;  I  felt  what  would 
I  not  do  for  the  individual  ?  and  a  most  anxious  desire,  if  I 
had  missed  it,  to  make  it  up  by  every  thing  in  my  power. 
Thus,  when  I  had  feared  discouragements  would  have  almost 
overwhelmed  my  spirit,  there  was  such  a  calming,  blessed, 
and  cheering  influence  came  over  my  heart,  that  it  was  like 
the  sick  coming  to  our  Saviour  formerly,  and  being  immedi- 
ately healed;  so  that  I  was  not  even  able  to  mourn  over  my 
calamity.  It  appeared  as  if  "  the  Holy  One  who  inhabitetb 
Eternity"  would  not  give  me  over  to  the  will  of  my  enemies. 

Perhaps  few  will  read  the  preceding  extract,  without  per- 
ceiving something  of  the  deep  and  hidden  sorrow,  which 
often  weighed  down  the  spirit,  and  preyed  also  on  the  bodily 
frame,  of  this  precious  follower  of  the  Lamb.  It  is  not 
needful  to  attempt  to  penetrate  the  veil  that  conceals,  from 
the  eye  of  the  stranger,  the  circumstances  that  rendered  her 
path  of  life  a  tribulated  one :  it  is  enough  to  know  that  her 
perplexities  and  distresses  were  endured  with  meek  submis- 
sion, and  a  degree  of  forbearance,  that  could  only  be  the 
effect  of  that  state  of  watching  unto  prayer  with  all  per- 
severance, in  which  she  was  so  remarkably  preserved  ;  and 
by  which  she  was  kept,  through  all  her  mental  vicissitudes 
as  in  a  region  of  love. 

Mildred's  Court,  Tenth  Month,  2'.ird. — Re-entering  our 
London  life  is  certainly  a  serious  thing.  Much  as  I  have  to 


308  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1819. 

attend  to,  and  very  numerous  as  my  calls  are,  yet  I  have 
believed  that  these  words  should  be  my  motto,  Phil.  iv.  6,  7, 
**  Be  careful  for  nothing ;  but  in  everything  by  prayer  and 
supplication  and  thanksgiving  let  your  requests  be  made 
known  unto  God.  And  the  peace  of  God,  which  passeth  all 
understanding,  keep  yonr  hearts  and  minds  through  Christ 
Jesus."  Now  though  I  may  have  many  trials  of  faith  and 
patience,  the  more  I  can  be  without  too  much  carefulness, 
and  cast  all  my  care  on  my  Lord  and  Redeemer,  the  better 
I  believe  it  will  be  for  my  body  and  soul ;  and  the  better 
also  for  all  those  with  whom  I  have  to  do.  Dearest  Lord, 
I  pray  Thee,  help  me  to  abide  in  this  state,  that  I  may  dwell 
near  to  Thee  in  spirit,  and  amidst  all  the  perplexities  of  life, 
that  I  may  feel  Thee  to  be  my  Helper,  my  Comforter,  my 
Guide  and  my  Counsellor.  Amen. 

The  weighty  responsibilities  of  Newgate  did  not  preclude 
other  objects  of  public  interest,  to  some  of  which  Elizabeth 
Fry  devoted  much  attention.  Among  these,  was  a  "nightly 
shelter  for  the  houseless."  During  the  rigorous  winter  of 
1819-20,  the  sufferings  of  homeless  wanderers  called  for 
prompt  relief, — the  heart  of  this  Christian  philanthropist  was 
deeply  touched  by  some  affecting  cases, — in  one  instance  a 
little  boy,  who  had  in  vain  begged  at  many  houses  for  the 
few  halfpence  required  to  procure  admittance  to  some  pas- 
sage or  cellar,  was  found  frozen  to  death  on  the  step  of  a 
door  !  An  asylum  was  immediately  provided:  It  was  well 
warmed,  nutritious  soup  was  prepared  night  and  morning, 
with  a  ration  of  bread  for  each  of  the  inmates,  who  were  also 
furnished  with  beds.  Employment,  in  various  ways,  was 
procured;  and  tie  bounty  of  the  public  flowed  in  to  en- 
courage the  hearts  and  to  strengthen  the  efforts  of  benevo- 
lent persons,  who  united  in  labouring  for  the  management 
and  success  of  the  establishment.  Many  hundreds  were, 
night  after  night,  admitted — great  numbers,  who  could  not 
be  accommodated  at  the  "  Shelter,"  were  supplied  with  food, 


1820.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  309 

clothing,  and  the  means  of  procuring  lodgings  elsewhere. 
The  females  were  placed  under  the  care  of  a  "  Ladies '  Com- 
mittee," with  Elizabeth  Fry  at  their  head. 

She  now  wrote  the  following  to  her  sons  at  school  :-— 

Mildred's  Court,  First  Month,  19th,  1820. 
My  dearest  John,  William  and  Joseph, 
I  am  sorry  that  I  have  not  written  to  you  before,  to  tell 
you  how  much  I  rejoice  at  your  father's  excellent  account  of 
you.  I  believe  no  words  can  express  the  deep  interest  I 
take  in  your  welfare,  and  how  pleasant  it  is  to  me  to  have 
such  good  accounts  of  your  conduct  and  learning.  I  cannot 
help  hoping  that  my  sons  will  be  my  comfort,  and  may  I  not 
say  by  their  goodness  and  learning,  that  they  may  become 
my  glory.  My  London  life  is  now  a  very  busy  one,  it  is 
almost  like  living  in  a  market  or  a  fair ;  only  that  I  have 
not  merchandize  to  sell.  We  see  a  great  variety  of  com- 
pany, principally  people  who  are  interesting  and  occupied  by 
subjects  of  importance.  We  lately  had  an  East  Indian  Mis- 
sionary, who  told  us  many  particulars  about  the  poor  Indians : 
I  think  in  one  province,  about  seven  hundred  poor  widows 
burn  themselves  every  year,  when  their  husbands  die.  We 
expect  soon  to  see  the  Persian  Ambassador,  and  I  mean  to 
give  you  an  account  of  him.  Believe  me,  your  nearly 
attached  mother, 

E.  FRY. 

TO  HER  COUSIN,  PRISCILLA  HANNAH  GURNEY. 

Mildred's  Court,  Second  Month,  23rd,  1820. 
My  very  dear  Cousin, 

I  have  for  some  time  past  wished  to  write  to  thce,  but  it 
is  very  seldom  that  I  can  get  any  quiet  opportunity.  I  wish 
much  to  hear  particulars  of  thee ;  I  feel  that  confidence  in 
our  near  tie  to  each  other,  that  I  believe  communication  is 
not  necessary  to  keep  it  up,  but  I  cannot  help  sometimes 


310  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1820. 

regretting  that  I  have  not  more  opportunity  of  opening  my 
heart  to  one,  whom  I  feel  so  particularly  near  and  dear  ta 
me,  and  who  I  am  sure  so  tenderly  sympathises  in  all  my 
sorrows,  and  joys  also.  I  have  been  favoured  with  health 
this  winter,  except  being  at  times  a  little  overdone,  and 
having  some  cough.  My  engagements,  as  usual,  are  very 
numerous.  I  have,  from  being  on  a  committee  of  our  Quar- 
terly Meeting,  visited  some  of  our  Monthly  Meetings,  but  I 
have  had  no  other  engagements  of  that  sort.  Our  prisons 
continue  to  prosper,  and  Newgate  goes  on  well ;  it  does  not 
require  much  of  my  time,  though  the  many  things  it  intro- 
duces me  into,  occupy  me  a  good  deal.  And  now  for  my 
beloved  family ;  I  think  that  they  are  going  on  much  the 
same  as  when  thou  left  us ;  I  long  to  see  more  of  the  ad- 
vancement of  the  blessed  Truth  amongst  us,  but  I  still  hope, 
that  that  day  will  come.  I  anxiously  desire  to  be  enabled  to 
do  my  part,  and  to  walk  before  my  household  with  a  perfect 
heart,  but  this  is  a  great  attainment,  almost  too  much  for  so 
weak  and  unworthy  a  person  to  look  for. 

After  mentioning  the  great  comfort  she  had  derived  from 
hearing  good  accounts  of  her  boys,  then  at  school,  she  asks 
of  her  cousin  "a  little  favour." 

The  children  and  myself  are  collecting  English  shells, 
and  as  my  aunt  made  so  fine  a  collection,  we  want  to  know 
what  is  the  best  book  for  us  to  procure,  to  direct  us  in  our 
search,  and  where,  and  from  what  coast,  we  are  most  likely 
to  procure  the  finest.  We  have  written  to  know  whether 
we  cannot  buy  some  in  Devonshire.  I  think  this  such  a 
good  object  for  the  children,  and  nice  amusement  for  us  all 
in  London,  where  we  have  not  the  garden  and  flowers  to 
enjoy,  that  I  endeavour  to  cultivate  it. 

'  The  flowers  of  the  garden  ;  the  shells  of  the  ocean; 
The  coralline  branches,  which  sea-weeds  entwine ; 


1820.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FEY.  311 

The  stars  that  gleam  o'er  us  ; 

The  light  farms  before  us, 

That  flit  in  the  sunbeams- -all,  Father,  are  thine; 
All  tell  ua  of  Thee,  and  for  Thee  claim  devotion/ 

Thy  nearly  attached  Cousin, 

ELIZABETH  FRY. 

After  the  arduous  exertions,  and  varied  interests  of  this 
winter,  it  was  no  small  relief  to  Elizabeth  Fry  to  be  again 
with  her  family  in  the  retirement  of  Plashet ;  although  her 
enjoyment  was  soon  to  be  clouded  by  peculiar  and  affecting 
family  sorrows,  as  well  as  by  domestic  solicitudes.  Her 
much  valued  brother  and  sister  Buxton,  were  plunged  into 
deep  affliction,  through  the  removal  by  death  of  four  lovely 
children,  within  the  short  space  of  five  weeks ;  this  most 
touching  event  called  forth  Elizabeth  Fry's  tenderest  sym- 
pathy, and  her  unwearied  exertion  in  nursing  these  darling 
objects  of  affectionate  care. 

Plashet  House,  Fourth  Month,  26th. — My  time  has  been 
so  exceedingly  occupied  as  to  prevent  my  writing,  but  I  have 
gone  through  a  great  deal.  My  dearest  brother  and  sister 
Buxton  being  so  heavily  afflicted,  has  brought  me  into  very 
deep  conflict,  in  short  almost  inexpressible  ;  still,  through  all, 
we  may  acknowledge  that  we  have  found  the  Lord  to  be 
gracious,  for  assuredly  He  has  been  very  near  to  help  and 
support.  Dearest  Lord,  we  pray  Thee,  continue  to  have 
mercy  upon  us  all;  and  at  this  time  of  great  sonow,  to 
regard  us  in  OUT  low  estate,  and  to  increase  our  faith,  accord- 
ing to  its  trial.  Amen. 

Fifth  Month,  3rd. — Hard,  very  hard,  as  this  trial  has  been, 
and  is,  yet  there  is  abundant  cause  to  bless,  praise,  and  mag- 
nify the  great  and  excellent  name  of  our  Lord,  both  for  having 
given  these  precious  children,  and  then  taking  them  through 
His  redeeming  love  into  His  kingdom  of  Light,  Life,  Peace, 
and  Glory.  But  what  a  proof,  that  our  hearts  must  not  be 
set  upon  any  temporal  things. 


312  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1820 

The  visits  to  the  prisoners,  and  the  labours  for  their  refor- 
mation, were  continued  with  undiminished  assiduity,  and  the 
impression  made  on  the  public  mind  became  even  increasingly 
intense.  The  Scripture  readings  were  still  frequented  by 
great  numbers.  Many  persons  have  described  these  occa- 
sions ;  perhaps  none  more  graphically  than  the  writer  of 
the  following  interesting  narrative,  which  has  been  kindly 
sent  to  the  Compiler,  with  the  subjoined  notice  by  the  Lady 
Elizabeth  Waldegrave : — 

"  Account  of  a  visit  to  Newgate,  June  2d,  1820,  written  by  the 
late  Hon.  Mrs.  Waldegrave,  for  her  mother,  lady  Elizabeth 
Whitbread,  on  whose  death,  in  1846,  it  was  sent  to  me. 

"  ELIZABETH  WALDEQRAVE,  Jun. 
•'  4,  Harley  Street,  London, 

March  2d,  1852." 

"June  2nd,  1820. — We  reached  Newgate  at  half-past  ten,  and 
waited  with  the  rest  of  the  company  in  a  small  room  up  stairs ;  in 
the  way  to  it  we  passed  through  several  wards,  in  which  the  most 
perfect  stillness  prevailed ;  these  were  the  former  scenes  of  all  the 
riot  and  confusion  of  which  we  had  heard  so  much. 

"  After  waiting  a  short  time,  Mrs.  Fry  entered,  saluting  every- 
body in  the  most  dignified  manner.  The  female  convicts,  forty  in 
number,  came  in  upon  a  bell  being  rung,  and  took  their  seats  at 
one  end  of  the  room  with  perfect  order — the  monitors  sitting  on 
the  first  bench,  and  the  others  in  classes  behind ;  each  had  her 
work,  at  which  she  employed  herself  till  Mrs.  Fry  began  reading. 
They  had  ivory  tickets  round  their  necks  with  numbers  on  them. 
"  Mrs.  Fry  arranged  a  large  old  Bible  on  her  desk,  and  sat  down — 
her  voice  was  so  gentle  that  we  wondered  we  could  hear  what  she 
said,  but  remarkably  mild  and  sweet.  She  began  by  requesting 
their  attention. — '  I  am  desirous  that  your  attention  should  f)e,  as 
much  as  possible,  undivided — notwithstanding  our  being  subject 
to-day  to  the  interruptions  of  company,  it  is  equally  important  that 
vour  minds  should  be  fixed  on  what  I  say — praying  that  the  Holy 
Snirit  may  enlighten  your  understanding.  I  am  going  to  read  the 
4t,h  chapter  of  Paul's  Epistle  to  the  Ephesians.'  They  all  laid 
aside  their  work,  most  of  them  fixed  their  eyes  on  the  ground,  and 


1820.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY  313 

we  tould  not  observe  that  more  than  two  or  three  looked  about 
afterwards  till  she  had  done  reading.  She  read  the  chapter  slowly 
and  impressively — the  6th,  28th,  and  32nd  verses  appeared  to  affect 
thorn  deeply — every  word  that  she  uttered  seemed  to  be  written  in 
her  own  heart.  She  then  turned  to  the  book  of  Psalms.  After  a 
moment's  pause,  she  turned  back  to  the  chapter  which  she  had 
been  reading,  and  said, '  I  was  going  to  read  a  Psalm,  but  I  thought 
I  should  be  best  satisfied  to  say  a  word  on  the  chapter  I  have 
been  reading ;  the  greater  part  of  it  is  so  simple  and  clear,  that 
a  very  little  endeavour  on  your  part  will  enable  you  to  understand 
it ;  but  there  is  one  expression  which  perhaps  may  be  obscure : 
'One  Lord,  one  Faith, one  Baptism.'  If  you  look  only  at  the 
external,  you  might  say,  so  many  different  opinions  prevail,  peo- 
ple are  so  divided  as  to  what  they  think  ought  to  be  believed,  how 
can  they  be  said  to  have  one  faith  ?  I  have  always  viewed  it  very 
differently :  '  One  Lord,' — yea,  and  have  not  all  Christians  the 
game  Lord,  which  is  Christ  ?  and  while  we  acknowledge  him  our 
Master,  look  to  him  for  our  justification,  follow  his  precepts,  obey 
his  commandments,  love  him,  serve  him, — he  is  our  Lord — he  is 
the  '  one  Lord '  of  all  who  thus  acknowledge  him  their  head. — • 
Again,  '  one  Faith ' — there  is  a  diversity  of  opinions,  but  only  one 
true  and  saving  Faith,  the  Faith  which  lives  in  the  heart ;  and 
becomes  evident  by  its  fruits,  which  lays  hold  of  the  promises, 
which  actuates  to  all  godliness,  and  produces  the  blessed  effects  of 
a  holy  life.  This  one  true,  saving  faith,  is  common  to  all  Chris- 
tians— how  exceedingly  soever  they  may  seem  to  differ.  So  also, 
'  one  Baptism ':  Christians  may  differ  as  to  the  manner  of  admin- 
istering the  Baptism  of  water,  nay,  though  some  even  dispense  with 
that  altogether,  yet  there  is  one  spiritual  baptism  of  the  heart, — 
the  Spirit  of  God,  sanctifying  and  renewing  the  heart,  and  creating* 
it  after  God,  in  righteousness  and  true  holiness.  In  this  manner 
we  have  all  •  one  Lord,  one  Faith,  one  Baptism ;  one  God  and 
Father  of  all,  who  is  above  all,  and  through  all,  and  in  you  all.' 
What  a  sweet  bond  of  unity  is  this,  where  we  are  not  only  brethren 
in  this  world,  but  may  hope  to  meet  in  Heaven,  there  to  give  glory 
to  Ilim  with  one  accord,  for  ever  and  for  evermore.' 

"  Mrs.  Fry  then  read  the  86th  Psalm,  at  the  end  of  which,  a  brother 
Quaker  said  a  few  words  of  exhortation  to  all  present,  to  join  in  Prayer 
on  behalf  of  the  poor  sufferers  contained  in  these  walls,  and  not 
to  bo  unmindful  that  all  were  sinners,  all  under  one  condemnation. 


814  LIFB    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1820. 

"  She  then  knelt  down,  and  prayed  so  beautiful  a  Prayer, — with 
such  fervency,  so  rich  a  flow  of  ideas,  and  such  perfect  command 
of  Scripture  language  to  clothe  them  in,  that  it  is  impossible  to 
convey  an  idea  of  its  beauty — the  chaunt,  in  which  the  Quakers 
recite  their  prayers,  gave  it  a  very  singular,  but  very  impressive 
effect ;.  for  her  voice  is  good,  and  when  exerted,  very  strong  and 
clear.  This,  after  a  few  words  from  one  of  the  company,  concluded 
the  service — the  women  retired  in  perfect  order,  each  class  sep- 
arately, with  its  monitor  from  the  front  row;  all  making  courtesies 
as  they  left  the  room.  Mrs.  Fry,  in  the  course  of  some  conversa- 
tion with  Lord  Albemarle,  said,  that  she  believed  the  coolness  she 
had  experienced  from  Lord  Sidmouth,  to  have  originated  in  too 
anxious  a  desire  on  her  part  to  save  the  life  of  a  condemned  wo- 
man ;  which  had  induced  her  to  speak  to  the  Duke  of  Gloucester 
on  the  subject,  after  Lord  Sidmouth  had  refused  to  interfere ; 
by  which  she  believed  that  she  had  given  offence,  that  she 
thought  they  had  been  wrong  and  had  urged  it  too  far ;  that  at 
first  they  had  free  communication  with  the  Secretary  of  State's 
office,  but  that  it  had  been  closed  for  some  time. 

"  She  said  that  her  success  surprised  herself  as  much  as  it  did 
others — that  a  very  remarkable  Providence  had  attended  all  her 
efforts — she  had  never  seen  the  Bible  received  as  it  had  been  there. 
'  Ten  years  ago/  said  she,  '  when  it  occurred  to  me  to  make  trial,  I 
went  with  a  young  Friend  into  one  of  the  wards,  in  which  the 
greatest  riot  and  confusion  prevailed.  I  went  in  with  my  Bible 
in  my  hand,  and  told  them  I  was  come  to  read  the  Scriptures; 
they  all  flocked  round  me,  and  I  am  convinced  many  had  never 
heard  them  before — it  seemed  to  be  glad  tidings  to  them — all  were 
attentive.  I  had  been  warned  to  take  off  such  things  as  could  pos- 
sibly be  stolen,  but  no  attempt  of  the  kind  was  made ;  if  I  dropped 
anything,  it  was  picked  up  and  brought  to  me.  I  felt  rather 
alarmed  at  first,  at  the  idea  of  being  shut  up  with  these  poor  crea- 
tures, but  I  was  preserved  through  it.' 

"  She  said  that  some  remarkable  things  had  happened  for  her  en- 
couragement :  one,  which  occurred  lately  she  related, — '  A  woman, 
who  was  one  of  the  lowest  of  the  low — a  thief,  a  drunkard,  and  in 
every  way  as  bad  as  possible,  was  committed  to  Newgate.  On  the 
first  day  that  she  attended  (the  reading)  I  happened  to  read  the 
parable  of  the  prodigal  eon  j  she  was  much  affected  by  it,  and  the 


1820.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  315 

next  day,  I  received  from  her  a  letter,  (she  could  write,)  in  which 
she  expressed  her  thankfulness  to  God  that,  through  our  instru- 
mentality, a  new  way  had  been  opened  before  her — that  she  was  like 
the  prodigal  son,  and  it  seemed  as  if  God  had  seen  her  afar  off — 
that  she  prayed  to  be  enabled  to  hold  fast  the  hope  she  felt — all  in  this 
strain.  We  made  her  our  school-mistress,  and  during  the  whole  term 
of  her  imprisonment,  I  never  knew  her  break  one  rule,  or  be  guilty  of 
the  smallest  impropriety  of  speech  or  behaviour.  When  they  quit 
Newgate,  we  support  them  from  our  fund,  till  they  are  otherwise 
provided  for — in  consequence  of  illness,  she  remained  for  some  time 
dependent  on  us.  We  received  a  message  from  her,  requesting 
that  we  would,  if  possible,  obtain  her  admittance  into  some  work- 
house, where,  if  we  could  furnish  her  with  a  little  tea  and 
sugar,  she  should  be  much  happier  than  now,  for  that  she  was  mis- 
erable at  the  idea  of  diminishing  that  fund,  which  might  be  the 
means  of  rescuing  other  poor  creatures  from  the  state  she  had  her- 
self been  in.  We  got  her  into  a  workhouse,  where  she  lately  died, 
one  of  the  most  peaceful,  happy  deaths  ;  the  only  pain  she  expe- 
rienced was,  from  none  of  us  being  present,  that  she  might  have 
expressed  to  us  her  gratitude  for  the  benefit  she  had  derived  through 
our  means.  Another  young  woman,  too,  of  the  same  character,  is 
lately  dead ;  she  lived  well,  and  died  well.' 

"  We  went  afterwards  through  part  of  the  prison,  but  in  a  very 
unsatisfactory  manner,  owing^  to  the  number  of  persons  present 
She  said  that  one  proof  of  essential  good  being  done,  was,  that, 
whereas  the  returns  used  to  bo  30  per  cent.,  they  are  now  less 
than  4." 

The  readers  of  this  volume  will  doubtless  contemplate  with 
interest,  such  engagements  in  the  prison  as  that  which  has 
just  been  described ;  but  they  will  not  easily  conceive  the 
astonishment  excited  in  many  an  actual  spectator  of  the  scene. 
Evidences  of  the  Christian  philanthropy  and  devotedness  of 
vroraan,  had  rarely  been  wont  to  arrest  popular  attention  ; 
and  the  English  people,  as  they  now  are  performing  their 
part  on  the  stage  of  life,  can  but  faintly  imagine  the  state 
of  public  feeling,  as  it  existed  at  the  time  when  Eliza- 
beth Fry  commenced  her  arduous  work.  A  mighty  change 
has  passed  over  the  religious  sentiments  of  the  nation  since 


316  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1820. 

the  close  of  the  last  century.  That  was  a  time  when, 
notwithstanding  that  witnesses  for  the  truth  were  preserved 
among  the  different  Christian  communities — as  "  the  salt  of 
the  earth" — the  sceptical  principles  of  French  philosophy 
had  become,  under  the  influence  of  the  grand  agent  of  evil, 
who  transforms  himself  into  the  semblance  "  of  an  angel  of 
light,"  the  means  of  dazzling  the  minds  of  great  numbers, 
particularly  of  the  democratic  class,  and  of  plunging  many 
into  the  vortex  of  infidelity,  whilst  those  who  moved  in  the 
more  fashionable  walks  of  life,  were  generally  immersed  in 
dissapition,  or  devoted  to  politics  and  war.  Few  compara- 
tively, of  this  class  were  disposed  to  listen  to  the  claims  of 
the  gospel ;  and  when  a  Porteus,  a  Wilberforce,  and  some 
other  excellent  men,  uttered  a  serious  appeal  to  the  public 
mind,  on  the  high  importance  of  its  truths,  and  on  the  solemn 
responsibility  that  rested  on  all  to  obey  its  practical  injunc- 
tions, the  truly  patriotic  effort  was  too  often  met  by  cold 
indifference,  or  even  by  ridicule.  The  writings  of  Hannah 
More,  though  frequently  little  regarded  by  many  to  whom 
they  were  especially  addressed,  and  who,  by  this  vain  world, 
would  be  estimated  as  the  great  and  noble,  were,  however, 
beginning  to  exercise  a  salutary  influence  on  the  more 
thoughtful  amongst  the  different  ranks  of  the  people ;  and 
the  present  century  dawned  on  the  nation  with  the  sunshine 
of  hope  ;  and  many  persons  were  becoming  impressed,  not 
only  with  the  importance  of  individually  accepting  the  truths 
of  Divine  revelation,  but  with  the  duty  of  extensively  using 
them,  as  being,  under  the  direction  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  the 
only  weapon  that  could  be  effectually  wielded  in  the  coun- 
teraction of  evil :  the  organization  of  the  Bible  Society  was 
the  result  of  this  conviction ;  and  a  gradual,  but  sure  revo- 
lution was  effected  in  public  opinion.  Even  from  those 
circles  where  vice  and  debauchery  had  reigned  triumphant, 
an  influence  was  seen  to  emanate,  that  proclaimed  itself  on 
the  side  of  virtue :  and  the  manner  in  which  the  religious 
labours  of  Elizabeth  Fry,  for  the  conversion  of  sin-degraded 


1820.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  317 

souls,  were  hailed  by  all  classes,  more  especially  by  persons 
of  the  highest  rank  and  intelligence,  evinced  the  increase  of 
power  to  appreciate  the  relative  value  of  those  objects  that 
belong  only  to  this  transitory  state  of  existence,  compared 
with  the  infinitely  important  interests  of  immortality.  And, 
whilst  the  deep  impression,  made  on  many  hearts,  through 
the  instrumentality  of  this  divinely-gifted  woman,  bespoke 
the  onward  progress  of  that  regenerating  principle,  which 
alone  can  secure  the  happiness  and  well-being  of  man,  her 
heaven-directed  efforts  gave,  to  the  operation  of  this  principle, 
an  impulse,  which  powerfully  stimulated  many  awakened 
minds  to  "  seek  those  things  which  are  above,  where  Christ 
sitteth  at  the  right  hand  of  God." 

In  pursuing  her  engagements  at  Newgate,  Elizabeth  Fry 
had  gradually  learned  many  particulars  of  the  Penal  Colony 
of  New  South  Wales.  She  found  through  a  communication 
from  Samuel  Marsden,  the  chaplain  there,  that  all  labours 
of  her  co-adjutors,  and  her  own,  all  systems  of  Prison  Dis- 
cipline, all  efforts  to  reform  the  offender,  were  absolutely 
null  and  void,  and  but  a  wasteful  expenditure  both  of  time 
and  money,  so  long  as  the  female  convicts  were  without 
shelter,  without  resource,  and  without  protection,  on  their 
arrival  in  the  land  of  exile.  Rations,  or  a  small  allowance 
of  provisions,  sufficient  to  maintain  life,  they  certainly  had 
allotted  them  daily :  but  of  any  place  to  sleep  in,  or  the  means 
to  obtain  one ;  or  necessary  clothing  for  themselves,  and 
when  mothers,  for  their  children,  they  were  entirely  destitute. 
It  was  worse  than  useless  ;  it  was  only  an  aggravation  of  their 
misery  to  inculcate  morality,  and  to  raise  the  tone  and  im- 
prove the  tastes,  of  these  unhappy  ones,  and  above  all  to  im- 
press on  them  the  solemn  truth,  that,  "  without  Holiness  no 
man  can  see  the  Lord,"  whilst  they  were  placed  in  circum- 
stances where  existence  could  be  maintained  only  at  the  price 
of  virtue. 

Much  of  this  was  learned  from  the  prisoners  themselves, 
but  every  inquiry  made  upon  the  subject,  confirmed  their 


318  LIPE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1820. 

statements ;  and,  in  order  to  induce  the  government  to  pro- 
vide a  suitable  home,  and  proper  employment  for  these  exiled 
convicts,  much  renewed  exertion  was  entailed  on  Elizabeth 
Fry  and  her  companions  in  the  work. 

Plashety  Eighth  Month.  — I  may  indeed  say,  dearest  Lord, 
help  me  in  all  my  difficulties,  regard  me  in  my  low  estate,  and 
let  me  see  the  lightings  up  of  Thy  countenance  on  my 
beloved  children.  Though  I  am  deeply  sensible  that,  in 
bringing  to  the  knowledge  of  Thyself,  Thy  ways  are  not  our 
ways  ;  and  that  Thou  mayst  even  permit  the  poor  mind  to 
wander  in  darkness  and  in  unbelief  for  a  season,  that  it  may 
be  more  fully  prepared  to  see  the  beauty  of  Thy  light,  to 
rejoice  in  the  appearance  of  the  day-star  from  on  high,  and 
to  feel  the  excellency  of  faith  ;  yet,  oh !  that  in  Thy  tender 
mercy  and  compassion,  Thou  wouldst  permit  Thy  unworthy 
one  to  see  some  fruit  of  the  working  of  Thy  Spirit  in  her 
children,  that  she  might  still  rejoice  and  be  glad  in  Thee ; 
but  above  all,  Lord,  strengthen  and  enable  her  to  cast  all  her 
care  upon  Thee,  and  to  commit  herself,  and  those  most  near 
and  dear  to  her,  to  Thy  grace  and  good  keeping.  I  desire 
not  to  forget  all  Thy  benefits,  which  are  many  and  great, 
naturally  and  spiritually ;  we  are  all  of  us  favoured  with 
health,  still,  day  by  day  provided  for,  and  some  desires 
spiritually  raised  in  our  hearts  after  Thyself ;  and  I  am  also 
thankful  that  Thy  blessing  is,  in  so  remarkable  a  manner, 
resting  on  the  prison  cause,  and  on  our  labours  for  these  poor 
destitute  creatures,  that  have  come  under  our  care.  0  Lord  ! 
be  pleased  to  bless  the  work  of  our  hands,  even  in  these 
things  establish  Thou  it,  and  if  consistent  with  Thy  holy  will, 
be  pleased  to  bless  the  labours  of  Thy  poor  child  at  home,  as 
well  as  abroad.  Amen. 

It  may  be  observed  that  entering  in  her  journal  a  record 
of  her  thoughts,  her  desires,  her  sorrows,  and,  at  times,  her 
varied  and  almost  opposite  reflections  and  feelings,  continued 


1820.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  819 

to  afford  relief  to  her  spirit ;  and  was  still,  as  she  described 
it  to  be  when  but  a  girl,  like  opening  her  heart  to  a  friend — 
and,  at  this  date,  she  adds  to  the  last  notice,  the  following  : — 

I  think  before  I  conclude  this  journal,  I  should  express 
amongst  my  many  blessings,  how  much  I  am  enabled  to  take 
pleasure  in  the  various  beauties  of  nature,  flowers,  shells, 
&c.,  and  what  an  entire  liberty  I  feel  to  enjoy  them  ;  I  look 
upon  these  things  as  sweet  gifts,  and  the  power  to  enjoy  them 
as  a  still  sweeter.  I  am  often  astonished,  when  my  mind  is 
so  exceedingly  occupied,  and  my  heart  so  deeply  interested, 
how  I  can  turn  with  my  little  children  to  these  objects,  and 
enjoy  them  with  as  great  a  relish  as  any  of  them ;  it  is  a 
wholesome  recreation,  that  I  fully  believe  strengthens  the 
mind.  I  mention  it  as  a  renewed  proof  that  the  allowable 
pleasures  of  life,  so'  far  from  losing  their  zest  by  having  the 
time  and  mind  much  devoted  to  higher  objects,  are  only 
thereby  rendered  more  delightful. 

1.9th. — I  have  this  day  been  married  twenty  years ;  my 
heart  feels  much  overwhelmed  at  the  remembrance  of  it — it 
has  been  an  eventful  time.  I  trust  that  I  have  not  gone 
really  backwards  spiritually,  as  I  think  I  have  in  mercy  cer- 
tainly increased  in  the  knowledge  of  God,  and  Christ  Jesus 
our  Lord ;  but  this  has  been  through  much  suffering.  I 
doubt  my  being  in  so  lively  a  state  as  ten  years  ago,  when 
first  coming  forth  in  the  ministry ;  but  I  believe  I  may  say, 
that  I  love  my  Lord  above  all — as  far  as  I  know,  far  above 
every  natural  tie  ;  although,  in  His  infinite  wisdom  and  mercy, 
lie  has  been  pleased,  at  times,  to  look  upon  me  with  a  frown- 
ing Providence.  If  I  have  lately  grown  at  all,  it  has  been  in 
the  root,  not  in  the  branch,  as  there  is  but  little  appearance 
of  good,  or  fruit,  as  far  as  I  can  see.  In  the  course  of  these 
twenty  years,  my  abode  has  often  teen  in  the  valley  of  deep 
humiliation  ;  still  the  Lord  has  been  my  stay,  and  I  may  say 
through  all,  dealt  bountifully  with  me ;  assuredly  He  has 
raised  mo  up  from  season  to  season,  enabled  me  to  speak  well 


320  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY. 

of  His  name,  and  led  me  to  plead  the  cause  of  the  poor,  and 
those  that  are  in  bonds,  naturally  and  spiritually. 

Ninth  Month,  2nd. — Since  writing  my  last  journal,  I  have 
had  a  Minute  from  my  Monthly  Meeting,  and  have  been 
visiting  the  Essex  Monthly  Meeting^.  I  have  passed  through 
deep  exercise  and  travail  of  spirit  in  doing  it,  but  thanks  be 
unto  my  God,  I  found  help  in  the  needful  time,  and  when 
least  expected,  in  unmerited  mercy,  the  holy  anointing  oil 
was  once  more  freely  poured  forth  upon  me,  so  that  I  was 
enabled  boldly  to  declare  His  doings  amongst  the  people, 
and  to  show  forth  His  marvellous  works  to  the  children  of 
men.  I  am  to-day  likely  to  set  out  again — Lord,  be  with 
us,  I  pray  Thee !  help  us,  guide  us,  strengthen  us,  uphold 
us  and  comfort  us,  and  enable  me  to  leave  all  with  peace  and 
comfort  at  home.  We  are  now  likely  to  break  up  house- 
keeping here,  for  many  months;  how,  and  when,  we  shall 
meet  together  again  in  this  place,  and  whether  ever — our 
Lord  only  knoweth. 

4th. — I  returned  yesterday  from  finishing  visiting  the 
Monthly  and  Quarterly  Meetings  in  Essex.  I  was  carried 
through  the  service  to  my  own  surprise  ;  I  felt  so  remarkably 
low,  so  unworthy,  so  unfit,  and  as  if  I  had  little  or  nothing 
to  communicate  to  them,  but  I  was  marvellously  helped  from 
Meeting  to  Meeting;  strength  so  arose  with  the  occasion, 
that  the  fear  of  man  was  taken  from  me,  and  I  was  enabled 
to  declare  Gospel  truths  boldly.  This  is  to  me  wonderful  ; 
and  unbelievers  may  say  what  they  will,  it  must  be  the  Lord's 
doing,  and  is  marvellous  in  our  eyes — how  He  strengthened 
them  that  have  no  might,  and  helpeth  those  that  have  no 
power.  The  peace  I  felt  after  the  services  for  some  days, 
seemed  to  flow  like  a  river,  for  a  time  covering  all  my  cares 
and  sorrows,  so  that  I  might  truly  say,  "  There  is  even  here 
a  rest  for  the  people  of  God."  I  am  sure,  from  my  own  ex- 
perience, there  is  nothing  whatever  in  this  life,  that  brings 
the  same  satisfying,  heart-consoling  feeling.  It  is  to  me  a 
powerful  internal  evidence  of  the  truth  of  revealed  religion, 


1820.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  321 

that  it  is  indeed  a  substantial  truth,  not  a  cunningly  devised 
fable.  My  sceptical  doubting  mind,  has  been  convinced  of 
the  truth  of  religion,  not  by  the  hearing  of  the  ear,  but  from 
what  I  have  really  handled,  and  tasted,  and  known  for  myself, 
of  the  word  of  life,  may  I  not  say  of  the  power  of  God  unto 
salvation  ?  I  visited  my  most  dearly  beloved  brothers  and 
sisters  at  Earlham,  towards  whom  I  feel  united  by  bonds  in- 
expressible. My  sweet,  dear  sister  Priscilla,  continues  very 
seriously  ill,  which  much  melted  my  heart,  but  her  establish- 
ment on  Christ,  the  Rock  of  Ages,  consoled  us  under  every 
sorrow. 

The  Newgate  Association  having  become  established,  and 
three  years  having  tested  the  success  of  the  plans  pursued 
there,  a  Corresponding  Committee  was  formed  to  answer 
inquiries  and  communicate  information.  "  Ladies'  Associa- 
tions "  were  established  in  several  places,  and  in  others  one 
or  two  individuals  undertook  the  work  of  prison  visiting ;  but 
some  degree  of  classification,  employment,  and  moral  influ- 
ence, were  all  that  their  unassisted  endeavours  could  effect. 
To  carry  out  Elizabeth  Fry's  views,  solitude  by  night,  com- 
plete classification,  unceasing  superintendence,  compulsory 
occupation,  regular  instruction,  and  religious  influence  were 
necessary,  to  produce  reformation  of  character ;  and  to  obtain 
these  advantages,  larger  prisons,  embracing  more  extensive 
districts,  and  conducted  on  a  system  of  strict  surveillance, 
were  required. 

But  Newgate  had  proved  that  something  might  be  effected 
even  under  the  most  unfavourable  circumstances.  As  appli- 
cations for  information  became  more  numerous,  and  her 
interest  in  the  subject  increased,  Elizabeth  Fry  undertook 
a  journey  in  the  Ninth  Month  of  this  year,  with  the  view  of 
visiting  many  of  the  most  important  prisons  in  England. 
She  was  accompanied  by  her  husband,  and  their  two  elder 
daughters. 

She  had  generally  letters  from  official  persons,  or  private 
41 


322  LIPB    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1820. 

friends,  to  the  Visiting  Magistrates  of  the  prison  which  she 
desired  to  see.  There  she  would  go,  accompanied  by  the 
officers  of  the  prison,  any  magistrates  who  were  disposed  to 
accompany  her,  or  private  individuals  interested  in  the  cause. 
She  would  pass  from  yard  to  yard,  from  one  ward  to  another, 
addressing  the  most  minute  inquiries  to  the  jailor  or  turnkey ; 
and  calculating  the  capabilities  of  the  building  for  the  greatest 
possible  degree  of  improvement.  The  result  of  her  observa- 
tions she  almost  always  stated  afterwards,  in  a  letter  addressed 
to  those  of  local  authority.  Besides  this,  she  endeavoured  to 
form  a  Committee  of  Ladies,  to  visit  the  female  prisoners,  or 
she  strove  to  induce,  at  least,  one  or  two  to  undertake  this 
Christian  duty.  She  convinced  the  judgment  of  some — she 
touched  the  feelings  of  others — but  seldom  failed  to  bring  to 
her  purpose,  such  of  her  own  sex  as  she  had  selected,  as  be- 
ing, in  her  opinion,  suitable  for  the  undertaking. 

This  journey  led  to  important  results,  from  the  increased 
experience  and  knowledge  it  gave  her,  and  also  tended  to  the 
diffusion  of  both  interest  and  information  on  the  subject  of 
Prison  Discipline. 

She  thus  notices  the  events  of  this  journey : — 

Southend,  Darlington,  Ninth  Month,  5th. — I  left  home, 
after  parting  with  my  sweet  Chenda,  and  dearest  little  ones, 
last  Sixth-day  week.  I  had  much  weighty  service  in  Not- 
tingham, and  established  a  Ladies'  Association  for  visiting 
prisoners.  Numbers  followed  me,  particularly  to  Meeting, 
but  I  was  helped  through,  finding  grace  sufficient  in  time  of 
need.  I  was  called  away  from  Sheffield,  to  attend  the  funeral 
of  dear  little  Jonathan  Backhouse,  who  died  rather  suddenly 
— a  sweet  boy,  about  eight  years  old  ;  a  great  and  deep  trial 
to  his  father  and  mother ;  but  their  Lord  has  been  their  stay, 
and  I  think  I  may  say,  we  have  had  to  rejoice  together  in 
Him,  whose  tender  mercies  are  over  all  His  works ;  indeed 
the  more  we  see,  and  the  more  we  know,  may  we  not  say, 
"  blessing,  and  glory,  and  honour,  and  power,  thanksgiving 


1820.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  323 

and  praise,  belong  unto  God,  and  the  Lamb,  for  ever  and 
ever,"  and  this,  in  times  even  of  deepest  sorrow  and  priva- 
tion naturally,  when  helped  by  the  influence  of  the  Spirit. 

Swinton,  near  ffackfatt,  Yorkshire,  29th. — We  are  here 
staying  at  a  beautiful  place,  with  a  brother  of  Lady  Har- 
court's.  He  and  his  wife,  and  all  the  family,  are  exceedingly 
kind  to  us ;  they  indeed  make  too  much  of  us.  However 
much  such  visits  may  be  to  the  taste,  they  always  bring  me 
into  considerable  exercise  of  mind  ;  in  the  first  place,  for  fear 
of  not  faithfully  standing  my  ground  in  Christian  humility, 
simplicity,  and  faithfulness  ;  and  in  .the  next,  from  the  fear  of 
not  making  proper  use  of  such  providential  openings  for  pro- 
moting the  blessed  cause  of  truth  and  righteousness.  0 
dearest  Lord  !  if  Thou  callest  for  anything  at  my  hands,  I 
pray  Thee  open  my  way  outwardly,  and  strengthen  me 
spiritually. 

LETTER  TO  TWO  OF  HER  DAUGHTERS. 

Mildred's  Court,  Twelfth  Month,  13th,  1820. 
It  was  pleasant  to  hear  of  your  safe  arrival  at  Earlham, 
after  your  journey  with  your  dear  uncle.  Our  London  life 
is  so  very  busy,  and  one  event  puts  another  so  much  out  of 
mind,  that  it  is  difficult  to  relate  exactly  how  time  passes  ; 
but  I  will  try  to  tell  you,  as  far  as  I  remember,  how  we  have 
been  engaged.  On  Seventh-day  morning,  I  was  much  occu- 
pied till  about  one  o'clock,  in  settling  accounts.  So  one 
more  year  is  passed,  and  have  we  wanted  any  needful  thing 
or  indulgence?  Afterwards,  I  visited  the  eight  poor  men 
under  sentence  of  death,  their  wives,  some  of  their  families 
and  friends ;  and  a  very  affecting  time  it  was.  We  read  to- 
gether, and  appeared  to  be  under  the  merciful  influence  of 
that  blessed  Spirit,  that  manifests  itself  to  be  from  Him  who 
remains  to  be  "Lord  God  on  high,  mightier  than  the  noise  of 
many  waters."  On  Third-day,  I  went  to  Sophia  Vansittart, 
and  had  a  satisfactory  interview  with  her ;  she  is  willing  to 


324  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1820. 

join  a  Ladies'  Committee  in  Westminster,  and  to  visit  Tothill- 
fields  prison,  if  way  can  be  made  in  it. 

The  interest  of  Elizabeth  Fry  was  not  confined  to  the 
prisons  of  her  native  country.  She  opened  a  correspondence 
with  the  late  Walter  Venning  of  Petersburg,  who  devoted 
himself  to  visiting  and  instructing  the  prisoners  in  that  city. 
The  Princess  Sophia  Mestchersky,  and  other  ladies,  had 
formed  themselves  into  a  committee,  with  highly  satisfactory 
results,  to  visit  the  women  confined  in  the  five  prisons  of 
that  capital.  In  a  letter  written  by  the  Princess  to  W.  Ven- 
ning, on  the  2nd  of  Eighth  Month,  1820,  she  says : — 

lt  Though  I  acknowledge  myself  completely  unable  to  write  in 
English,  as  you  wish  me  to  do,  for  to  show  your  friends  in  England 
the  state  of  our  prisons,  such  as  the  Ladies'  Committee  found  it  to 
be  in  the  beginning,  and  such  as  it  is  now,  eight  months  after  the 
establishment  of  the  society ;  yet  when  you  told  me  it  would  prove 
a  token  of  our  regard  and  high  esteem  for  Mrs.  Fry,  and  her  fellow- 
labourers,  I  readily  comply  with  your  request,  and  shall  try  to 
overcome  all  the  difficulties  which  ignorance  of  your  language  and 
the  novelty  of  the  subject,  present  to  me.  Not  I  alone,  Sir,  but 
all  the  Ladies  of  our  Committee,  expressed  a  hearty  wish  that 
something  of  our  public  exertions,  and  of  our  efforts  to  follow  the 
example  which  that  lady  gives  us,  might  be  communicated  to  her, 
as  a  proof  that  her  labours  are  blessed  from  above,  and  that  a 
spai-k  of  that  love  which  animates  her  generous  heart,  has  also 
reached  our  distant  country,  and  influenced  many  hearts  with  the 
same  Christian  feelings  for  suffering  humanity.  May  this  prove 
a  comfort  to  her  soul,  and  a  new  encouragement  for  her  to  continue 
her  labours  in  that  large  and  important  field  of  usefulness,  in  which 
she  is  called  to  serve  our  Lord.  We  will  all  endeavour  to  follow 
her  according  to  the  strength  and  abilities  granted  us,  looking  for 
help  and  hoping  for  success  to  and  from  Him,  from  whom  we  re- 
ceive every  blessing,  and  whose  'strength  is  made  perfect  in 
weakness.'  " 

Extract  from  a  letter  from  Elizabeth  Fry  to  the  late  Walter 
Venning  of  Petersburg. 


1820.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  525 

Respected  friend, 

Though  personally  unknown  to  thee,  I  am  confident,  from 
the  interest  we  both  feel  in  one  cause,  that  thou  wilt  excuse 
the  liberty  I  take  in  writing  to  thee,  to  express  my  heartfelt 
satisfaction  at  the  interesting  and  important  accounts  thou 
hast  given  my  brother  Hoare  of  the  proceedings  of  the  Gen- 
tlemen and  Ladies'  Prison  Associations  in  Petersburg.  Most 
warmly  do  I  desire  their  encouragement  in  this  work  of 
charity  and  utility,  for  the  more  I  am  acquainted  with  the 
subject,  and  the  more  extensive  my  observation  of  the  effects 
of  prison  discipline  is,  the  more  confident  I  feel  of  its  im- 
portance ;  and  that  although  the  work  will  be  gradual,  yet 
through  the  Divine  blessing,  its  result  will  be  sure.  Not 
only  that  many  will  be  stopped  in  their  career  of  vice,  but 
Borne  truly  turned  from  their  evil  ways,  and  the  security  and 
comfort  of  the  community  at  large,  increased,  by  our  prisons, 
that  have  been  too  generally  the  nurseries  of  vice,  and  scenes 
of  idleness,  filth,  and  debauchery,  being  so  arranged  and 
so  attended  to,  that  they  become  schools  where  the  most 
reprobate  may  be  instructed  in  their  duty  towards  their 
Creator  and  their  fellow-mortals ;  and  where  the  very  habits 
of  their  lives  may  be  changed. 

It  will  be  found  in  this,  as  in  every  other  good  work,  that 
some  trials  and  some  discouragement  will  attend  it ;  but  the 
great  end  in  view  must  induce  those  engaged  in  it  to  perse- 
vere, and  use  increased  diligence  to  overcome  them,  doing 
what  we  do  to  the  Lord,  and  not  unto  man,  and  then  we 
shall  do  it  well. 

We  continue  to  have  much  satisfaction  in  the  results  of 
our  efforts  in  Newgate — good  order  appears  increasingly 
established,  there  is  much  cleanliness  amongst  our  poor 
women,  and  some  very  encouraging  proofs  of  reformation  in 
habit,  and  what  is  much  more,  in  heart.  This,  in  a  prison  so 
ill-arranged,  with  no  classification,  except  tried  from  untried, 
no  good  inspection,  and  many  other  great  disadvantages,  is 
more  than  the  most  zealous  advocates  of  prison  discipline 
could  look  for. 


826  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1820. 

I  lately  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  the  Duchess  of  Glouces- 
ter, who  is  our  Patroness ;  she  desired  me  to  express  how 
much  gratified  she  was  with  thy  account  of  what  you  are 
doing  in  Petersburg,  and  her  wish  that  the  ladies  may  be 
encouraged  ia  their  good  work. 

It  is  now  more  than  three  years  since  we  first  began  our 
operations  in  Newgate,  and  how  encouraging  it  is,  that  the 
experience  of  every  year  should  increase  our  hopes,  and 
diminish  our  fears,  as  to  the  beneficial  result  of  these  exer- 
tions. Indeed  it  is  wonderful  to  observe  the  effects  of 
kindness  and  care,  upon  some  of  these  poor  forlorn  creatures 
• — how  it  tenders  their  hearts,  and  makes  them  susceptible  of 
impression.  I  am  of  opinion,  from  what  I  have  observed, 
that  there  are  hardly  any  amongst  them  so  hard,  but  that 
they  may  be  subdued  by  kindness,  gentleness,  and  love,  so  as 
very  materially  to  alter  their  general  conduct.  Some  of  the 
worst  prisoners  have,  after  liberation,  done  great  credit  to  the 
care  taken  of  them.  In  two  particular  instances,  young 
women  who  had  sunk  into  almost  every  depravity  and  vice, 
upon  being  libewkted,  conducted  themselves  with  much  pro- 
priety, as  far  as  we-Enow,  and  after  long  illnesses,  died  peace- 
ful deaths.  They  were  striking  instances  ;  through  a  blessing 
upon  the  care  taken  of  them,  they,  in  a  remarkable  manner, 
were  turned  from  Satan  unto  God,  and  we  humbly  trust, 
through  the  mercy  of  Redeeming  love,  they  are  received 
into  glory.  Some  are  settled  in  service,  others,  we  hope, 
are  doing  well  in  different  situations.  We  wish  it  were  in 
our  power  to  attend  more  to  the  prisoners  upon  leaving  the 
prisons,  as  we  think  this  an  important  part  of  the  duty  of 
such  associations ;  but  in  London  the  numbers  are  so  very 
great  that  it  is  almost  out  of  our  power  to  do  it,  as  we  desire, 
though  we  endeavour  to  extend  a  little  care  over  them. 

How  delightful  it  is  to  hear  of  the  interest  that  the  Em- 
peror Alexander,  Prince  Galitzin,  and  ladies  of  high  rank, 
take  in  the  cause  of  the  poor  prisoners.  May  the  best  of 
blessings  rest  upon  them,  for  thus  manifesting  their  care  over 
the  destitute  of  the  earth. 


1820.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  327 

We  also  feel  gratefully  sensible  of  their  kindness  to  our 
friends  William  Allen  and  Stephen  Grellet.  I  hope  thou 
wilt  let  us  know  before  long  how  you  go  on.  I  am  much 
obliged  for  the  book  thou  kindly  sent  me ;  and  believe  me, 
with  much  regard  and  esteem, 

Thy  friend, 

ELIZABETH  FRY. 

After  the  death  of  Walter  Venning,  the  correspondence 
thus  commenced,  was  long  continued  with  his  brother,  John 
Venning ;  whose  labours,  in  reforming  the  criminal,  and  in 
relieving  the  suffering  inmates  of  asylums,  prisons,  &c.,  were 
unwearied,  and  greatly  blessed  of  the  Lord.  He  stated  that 
the  letters  which  he  received  from  Elizabeth  Fry  were  "  in- 
valuable as  regarded  the  treatment  and  management  of  both 
prisoners  and  insane  persons.  It  was  the  fruit  of  her  own 
rich  practical  experience,  communicated  with  touching  sim- 
plicity, and  it  produced  lasting  benefits  to  those  institutions 
in  Russia." 

After  he  had  presented  to  the  Emperor  Nicholas  a  state- 
ment of  the  defects  of  the  Government  lunatic  asylum,  the 
dowager  empress  and  her  son  visited  the  asylum  together, 
and  being  convinced  of  the  necessity  of  a  complete  reform 
in  the  management  of  the  insane,  the  emperor  requested  his 
mother  to  take  it  under  her  own  care,  and  to  appoint  John 
Venning  the  governor  of  it.  An  order  was  soon  given  to 
purchase,  of  one  of  the  princes,  a  palace-like  house,  having 
above  two  miles  of  garden,  and  a  fine  stream  of  water  run- 
ning through  the  grounds.  A  plan  of  this  great  building 
was  sent  to  Elizabeth  Fry,  for  her  inspection  and  hints  for 
improvements.  Two  extensive  wings  were  recommended  for 
dormitories.  The  wings  cost  .£15,000 :  in  addition  to  this 
sum  from  the  government,  the  emperor  gave  .£3000  for  cast- 
iron  window-frames  recommended  by  Elizabeth  Fry  ;  as  the 
clumsy  iron  bars  in  the  old  institution  had  drawn  from  many 
a  poor  inmate  a  sigh,  with  "  Sir,  prison  !  prison !" 


328  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1820. 

Elizabeth  Fry  recommended  that  all,  except  the  violent 
lunatics,  should  dine  together  at  a  table  covered  with  a  cloth 
and  furnished  with  plates  and  spoons.  The  empress  was 
delighted  with  this  plan,  and,  when  the  arrangements  were 
completed,  requested  John  Venning  to  invite  them  to  dinner. 
Sixteen  came  and  took  their  seats.  The  empress  approached 
the  table,  ordering  one  of  the  upper  servants  to  sit  at  the 
head  of  it  and  ask  a  blessing.  When  he  arose  to  do  this, 
they  all  stood  up.  The  soup,  with  small  pieces  of  meat,  was 
then  served,  and  as  soon  as  they  had  dined,  they  all  rose  up 
spontaneously,  and  thanked  her  for  her  motherly  kindness. 
She  was  deeply  moved,  and  turning  to  John  Venning,  said, 
"My  friend,  this  is  one  of  the  happiest  days  of  my  life." 
The  next  day  the  number  at  table  was  increased,  and  the  day 
following  was  still  greater. 

A  letter  from  Elizabeth  Fry,  on  "  the  great  importance  of 
supplying  the  lunatics  with  the  Scriptures,"  which  John 
Venning  said  "deserved  to  be  written  in  letters  of  gold," 
and  which  he  sent  to  the  imperial  family,  was  received  with 
marked  approbation.  The  court-physician,  Dr.  Richl,  a 
devoted  philanthropist,  requested  a  copy  of  it.  This  letter 
removed  all  difficulties  on  the  subject,  and  John  Venning 
was  requested  to  furnish  them  in  their  various  languages.  It 
was  considered,  by  some,  "  a  wild  and  dangerous  proceed- 
ing;" but  he  soon  found  them  collected  in  groups,  and 
quietly  listening,  while  one  of  their  number  was  reading  the 
New  Testament ;  and  instead  of  disturbing  their  minds,  it 
produced  a  soothing  influence.  A  Russian  priest,  a  lunatic, 
collected  a  number  together,  and  read  to  them.  And  John 
Venning  found  a  poor  Frenchman  in  his  bed-room,  during  a 
lucid  interval  reading  the  New  Testament,  with  tears  rolling 
down  his  cheeks. 

Whenever  John  Venning  received  a  letter  from  Elizabeth 
Fry,  he  would  write  it  out  in  French  for  the  empress,  and 
was  pleased  to  see,  as  soon  as  she  had  read  it,  with  what 
alacrity  she  ordered  one  of  her  secretaries  to  translate  it  into 


1821.]  LIFE   OF  ELIZABETH   FRY.  329 

Russian,  to  be  entered  into  the  journal  at  the  asylum,  for 
immediate  adoption.  One  contained  a  list  of  fourteen  rules, 
which  were  all  confirmed  by  the  empress  the  £w,me  day.  And 
they  introduced  very  important  arrangements,  viz., "  treating 
the  inmates  as  far  as  possible,  as  the  sane  persons,  both  in  con- 
versation and  manners  towards  them  ;  to  allow  them  as  much 
liberty  as  possible  ;  to  engage  them  daily  to  take  exercise  in 
the  open  air ;  to  allow  them  to  wear  their  own  clothes,  and 
no  uniform  prison  dress  ;  most  strictly  to  fulfil  whatever  was 
promised  them  ;  to  exercise  patience,  gentleness,  kindness  and 
love  towards  them ;  and  to  be  exceedingly  careful  as  to  the 
characters  of  the  keepers  appointed  to  watch-over  them." 

Petersburg  was  not  the  only  continental  city,  with  which 
communication  on  the  subject  of  ladies  visiting  prisoners  had 
now  been  opened. 

At  Turin,  La  Marquise  de  Barol  nee  Colbert  was  assidu- 
ously occupied  in  this  important  work.  This  lady  was  a 
Roman  Catholic,  and  had  entered  upon  it,  from  a  sense  of 
duty.  Francis  Cunningham,  when  travelling  through  that 
place,  had  obtained  permission  to  see  the  prison,  had  there 
become  acquainted  with  her,  and  opened  a  correspondence  for 
her  with  his  sister-in-law  Elizabeth  Fry,  which  was  main- 
tained for  many  years.  Letters  were  also  received  from 
Amsterdam,  where  those  interested  in  the  cause,  were  endea- 
vouring to  form  a  Prison  Discipline  Society,  and  Committees 
to  visit  the  prisoners. 

Mildred's  Court,  First  Month,  1st,  1821. — Having  poured 
forth  my  soul  in  prayer,  and  having  exhorted  my  house- 
hold to  live  in  the  love  and  fear  of  the  Lord,  I  have 
obtained  some  relief  upon  entering  a  new  year,  and  finishing 
another.  I  opened  my  Bible  at  these  words,  so  consonant 
with  the  feelings  of  my  heart,  I  quote  them  here,  "  Hear  my 
prayer,  and  be  merciful  unto  thine  inheritance ;  turn  our 
sorrow  into  joy,  that  wo  may  live,  0  Lord,  and  praise  Thy 
name.' 

42 


330  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1821 

In  the  way  which  was  consistent  with  His  holy  will,  did 
the  Beloved  of  her  soul  answer  this  petition  of  His  servant. 
He  saw  meet  to  dispense  the  bitter  cup,  but  it  was  sweetened 
by  His  mercy  and  love.  She  had  become  much  affected  in 
the  Ninth  Month  of  the  preceding  year,  by  the  alarming 
illness  of  her  beloved  sister  Priscilla. 

From  1792,  the  year  of  Catherine  Gurney's  decease,  her 
daughters  had  continued  an  unbroken  band  ;  but  now,  upon 
the  youngest  of  the  seven,  the  hand  of  disease  was  making  a 
fatal  impression,  and  she  was  evidently  declining  under  the 
influence  of  pulmonary  consumption.  She  was  singularly 
lovely  and  attractive  in  mind  and  person.  To  her  maternal 
sister,  Elizabeth  Fry,  she  was  peculiarly  endeared,  and  the 
bond  that  so  closely  united  their  spirits,  was  a  high  and  sacred 
one  ;  they  had  both  been  led  to  embrace  the  principles  of  the 
Society  of  Friends,  and  both  were  engaged  in  the  holy  voca- 
tion of  the  Gospel  ministry.  Priscilla  Gurney  was  a  diligent 
labourer  in  the  cause  of  Christ,  and  was  highly  esteemed  by 
her  fellow-professors,  for  her  work's  sake  ;  and  greatly  be- 
loved by  many  pious  and  excellent  persons  of  other  Christian 
communities ;  and  it  may  be  truly  said  that  she  did,  in  word 
and  ministration,  and  in  conduct,  adorn  the  doctrine  of  God 
her  Saviour.  She  was  revered  in  the  domestic  circle,  even 
by  those  who  did  not  unite  in  her  distinctive  religious  views. 

Earlham  was  her  residence  with  her  other  unmarried 
sisters  and  brothers  ;  nor  did  it  cease  to  be  their  home, 
at  the  marriage  of  their  brother,  Joseph  John  Gurney, 
in  1817.  His  adoption  of  the  principles  of  Friends  had 
been  a  great  satisfaction  and  support  to  her,  in  her  own 
course. 

From  the  Isle  of  Wight,  where  she  had  passed  the  winter 
preceding,  on  account  of  her  declining  health,  she  wrote,  in 
1£20,  to  her  beloved  sister  E.  J.  Fry. 

u  Thou  hast  been  much  in  my  thoughts  lately,  my  beloved  sister, 
and  I  can  hardly  describe  to  thee,  the  flow  of  love  and  of  deep  inte- 
rest which  sometimes  arises  towards  thee  :  there  is  a  certain  under- 


1821.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  331 

standing  which  I  feel  with  thee,  that  I  can  hardly  feel  in  the  same 
way  with  any  other  mortal,  except,  perhaps,  it  may  be  with  our 
dearest  brother  Joseph.  We  three  do,  I  believe,  intimately  under- 
stand one  another's  paths — we  know  one  another's  conflicts — we 
have  partaken  in  the  same  depths — we  have  been  mercifully  per- 
mitted, according  to  our  different  measures,  (for  I  feel  my  measure 
small  indeed  compared  with  thine,)  to  partake  of  the  same  kind  of 
spiritual  consolations,  and  of  the  same  deliverance  from  depths  into 
heights.  What  a  support,  and  stay,  and  refreshment,  in  short,  what 
a  mother,  hast  thou  been  to  us  both  !  I  must  confess  my  heart  often 
turns  towards  thee  with  joy  and  with  thankfulness,  though  thy  path 
has  been  strewed  with  many  crosses  and  many  afflictions,  yet  so  in 
proportion  has,  I  firmly  believe,  been  the  victory,  which  has  been 
jiven  thee  through  Christ  our  Saviour,  to  the  great  comfort  and 
encouragement  of  many,  as  well  as  to  thy  own  present,  and  may 
we  not  humbly  trust,  eternal  peace  and  salvation  !  how  fervently 
do  I  desire,  that  the  blessing  which  has  so  eminently  attended 
thee,  may  be  in  all  things  thy  crown,  thy  rejoicing — that  it  may 
prosper  thee  in  all  thy  ways !" 

The  summer  of  that  year  was  passed  by  Priscilla  Gurney 
at  Earlham.  As  the  autumn  advanced,  she  was  removed  to 
Cromer  Hall,  then  the  abode  of  her  brother  and  sister  Bux- 
ton  ;  and  with  them  she  passed  the  few  remaining  months 
of  her  life,  nursed,  with  the  most  assiduous  care,  by  her  sis- 
ter Rachel,  who  had  been  devoted  to  her  through  the  latter 
stages  of  her  prolonged  decline.  Here  Elizabeth  Fry  visited 
her,  and  writes  in  her  journal : — 

Cromer  Hall,  Second  Month,  Qth. — Here  I  am,  with  my 
dear  brother  Samuel  Gurney,  come  to  visit  our  dearest  sister 
Friscilla  in  her  declining  state.  The  sweet  and  peaceful 
state  of  her  soul  is  cause  for  much  thankfulness  and  rejoic- 
ing, but  the  low  valley  is  my  own  abiding  place ;  and  my 
desire  for  myself  and  mine,  I  may  say,  my  prayer  is,  0 
dearest  Lord !  give  us  not  over  to  the  will  of  our  enemies. 
My  feeling  for  my  dearest  brothers  and  sisters  is, — in  tho 
first  place,  thanksgiving,  particularly  for  their  spiritual  state  ; 


332  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1821. 

and  secondly,  desire  that  grace  may  be  found  sufficient  for 
them,  and  that  no  snare  of  the  enemy,  however  gilded  by 
apparent  holiness,  may  ever  hurt  or  ensnare  them ;  and  for 
my  dearest  sister  Priscilla, — 0  Lord  !  Thou  who  hast  been 
with  her,  be  with  her  to  the  end,  and  in  Thine  own  time  burst 
all  her  bonds  asunder,  and  bring  her  into  the  abundant  and 
glorious  liberty  of  Thy  children.  And  also  permit  Thy  un- 
worthy child,  through  all  her  trials,  to  acknowledge  how 
truly  marvellously  Thou  hast  provided  for  her,  and  abund- 
antly loaded  her  with  benefits.  Cause  us,  dearest  Lord,  to 
hear,  to  feel,  and  to  acknowledge  Thy  loving  kindness  and 
Thy  tender  mercies,  not  only  now,  but  for  ever.  Amen. 

Cromer  Sail,  Third  Month,  ~\.~Lth,  First  day. — Dearest 
Priscilla  said  to  this  effect,  that  the  experience  of  her  illness 
had  greatly  confirmed  and  deepened  her  in  the  foundation 
and  principles  of  Friends,  more  particularly  as  it  respected 
the  ministry ;  though  she  most  truly  found  her  boundaries 
enlarged  towards  all ;  and  upon  my  saying  "  Thou  feelest  all 
one,  if  in  Christ,"  "Yes,"  she  said,  "just  so."  She  ex- 
pressed how  entirely  she  felt  her  dependence  on  the  Lord 
alone,  and  how  little  she  felt  the  want  of  outward  ministry, 
though  what  came  in  the  life  was  refreshing  and  sweet.  She 
yesterday  expressed  her  love  for  silence,  how  she  found  it 
tended  to  strengthen  body,  as  well  as  soul,  and  it  was  one 
reason  she  wished  to  be  alone  at  night.  She  also  expressed 
this  morning  a  great  desire  for  the  Friends  of  the  family, 
that  they  should  hold  fast  their  principles. 

To  her  husband  and  one  of  her  daughters,  she  wrote: — 

Cromer  Hall,  Third  Month,  25th,  1821. 

About  nine  o'clock  this  morning  the  scene  closed,  and  our 
most  tenderly  beloved  sister  went  to  sleep  in  Jesus.  The 
conflict  of  death  was  long  upon  her  ;  I  think  it  may  be  said 
from  Third  or  Fourth-day,  to  this  morning.  She  has  been 


1821.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  333 

sensible,  evidently  so,  till  late  last  evening,  and  her  calm, 
quiet,  and  patient  state  continued.  I  think  every  day  her 
conflict  diminished ;  she  had  nearly  lost  the  power  of  speech  ; 
but  when  we  were  all  collected  round  her,  last  evening,  about 
nine,  she  was  heard  to  say,  "  Farewell,  Farewell,"  several 
times.  Some  one  heard  her  add,  "  My  love  is  with  you," 
and  the  last  thing  we  could  hear  was,  "  0  Lord  !"  In  the 
morning,  she  appeared  very  full  of  love — put  out  her  hand 
to  several  of  us — showed  much  pleasure  in  your  uncle  Bux- 
ton's  being  here,  and  tried  to  speak  to  him,  but  could  not  be 
understood — expressed  her  wish  for  reading,  and  from  her 
feeling  of  love  and  fondness  for  the  chapter,  and  some  signs, 
we  believed  she  meant  the  thirteenth  of  1st  Corinthians,  and 
we  had  a  very  sweet,  animating  time  together,  and  afterwards 
our  dear  brother  Fowell  spoke  very  sweetly  to  her ;  and 
besides  the  Bible,  she  appeared  to  have  some  satisfaction  in 
hearing  other  books  read,  as  it  had  been  her  habit  during  her 
illness,  just  like  mine  when  ill.  She  appeared  to  have  finished 
her  work,  and  to  have  nothing  to  do  but  to  die ;  her  sweet 
spirit  was  quite  at  liberty  to  pass  away  the  time  in  reading, 
and  having,  I  believe,  no  headache,  she  could  bear  it,  though 
she  confined  it  to  religious  books,  yet  many  of  an  interesting 
nature  ;  her  hymns*  interested  her  much — she  liked  Samuel 
Scott's  Diary — Piety  Promoted — Accounts  of  tbe  Missions — 
Watts  and  How — and  many  other  books  of  that  description. 
I  write  thus  particularly,  because  I  thought  you  would  wish 
to  hear.  I  think  her  object  in  reading  was  gentle  amuse- 
ment, and  at  times  edification — she  was  very  particular  not 
to  read  the  Bible  except  she  felt  herself  in  rather  a  lively 
state.  We  were  all  by  her  when  her  prepared  spirit  left  the 
body,  and  a  sweet  time  it  was  ;  no  struggle.  After  com- 
mending her  to  her  Lord,  and,  for  His  name's  sake,  into 
glory,  my  brother  Joseph  quoted  these  words — 

•  Selection  of  Hymns,  by  Priacilla  Gurney. 


334  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1821. 

"  One  gentle  sigh  the  fetters  breaks, 

We  scarce  ctln  say  they  are  gone, 
Before  the  willing  spirit  takes 
Its  station  near  the  throne." 

Catherine  expressed  her  firm  helief  that  she  was  one  of  the 
blessed  who  died  in  the  Lord. 

Rachel  after  a  time,  uttered  a  fe-w  words  in  thanksgiving 
for  her,  and  prayer  for  us  who  remain. 

Thy  letter,  my  dearest ,  gave  me  much  satisfaction,  and 

my  opinion  is,  though  death  loses  its  sting  of  sin  to  the 
righteous,  yet  they  equally,  or  very  nearly  so,  have  the 
natural  conflict  to  pass  through  ;  and  death  certainly  is  a  very 
great  conflict,  generally  speaking ;  but  it  has  struck  me  again 
and  again,  what  this  would  hav«  been  to  a  sensitive  mind, 
feeling  at  the  same  time  the  sense  of  condemnation  and  the 
sting  of  sin  ;  but  my  beloved  child,  there  is  much  in  thy  re- 
marks, and  I  think  the  death  of  the  righteous  is  often  repre- 
sented as  too  easy ;  for  human  nature  is  the  same  in  all,  and 
how  much  did  our  blessed  Lord  go  through,  who  took  upon 

Himself  our  nature.    Ah  !  my ,  I  think  of  thee  and  thy 

birth-day.  May  the  Lord  be  with  thee  in  it,  opening  thy 
eyes  to  behold  the  beauty  of  holiness,  and  enlarging  thy 
heart,  by  His  own  power,  to  make  thee  willing  "  to  lay  aside 
every  weight  and  the  sin  that  may  so  easily  beset  thee,  and 
to  run  with  patience  the  race  that  is  set  before  thee,  looking 
to  Jesus,  the  Author  and  Finisher  of  our  Faith."  In  much 
near  and  dear  love,  farewell, 

ELIZABETH  FRY. 

First  day,  Fourth  Month,  14/A. — I  returned  from  Norfolk 
— my  second  visit,  after  being  from  home  about  six  weeks, 
where  I  had  attended  my  much-loved  sister  to  the  last,  almost 
constantly  devoted  to  her  in  the  day,  for  four  weeks  before 
her  death,  and  then  staying  to  her  funeral,  &c.  For  the  first 
fortnight,  tenderly  as  I  felt  for  my  beloved  sister's  sufferings, 
yet  there  was  so  much  sweetness  in  being  with  her,  such  in- 
expressible unity  with  her  spirit  in  its  redeemed  state,  that  it 


1821.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FEY.  335 

was  not  a  distressing  time.  I  was  also  greatly  favoured  with 
excellent  health,  as  the  sea  air  appeared  to  revive  me  so 
much ;  but  the  last  fortnight,  my  health  sunk  a  good  deal, 
and  my  beloved  sister's  great  reduction,  with,  no  doubt,  some 
suffering,  was  almost  too  much  for  me ;  still,  I  may  acknow- 
ledge, that  rather  marvellously,  every  day  help,  strength  and 
sufficient  consolation,  have  been  granted.  I  was  certainly 
impatient  at  my  darling  sister  being  so  long  passing  through 
the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death ;  but  how  did  I  perceive 
my  folly  when  I  saw  how  gently  he  was  led  through  it,  and 
how  I  might  observe  the  kind  hand  of  Providence  making 
her  way  naturally  and  spiritually ;  and  I  do  believe,  deeply 
as  we  felt  for  her,  it  was  to  herself  greatly  sweetened,  and  a 
renewed  cause  for  us  to  return  thanks  on  her  account. 

Elizabeth  Fry's  return  from  Norfolk  was  shortly  followed 
by  interests,  new  and  very  different  from  those  which  had 
occupied  her,  by  the  death-bed  of  her  sister.  The  subject  of 
Capital  Punishments  was  attracting  increased  attention, 
opinions  differed,  and  opposing  views  were  entertained; 
but  it  was  no  longer  looked  upon  with  indifference. 

The  Society  "  for  the  Improvement  of  Prison  Discipline, 
and  Reformation  of  Juvenile  Offenders,"  was  also  actively  at 
work.  Many  persons  df  influence  had  joined  it,  and  zealously 
supported  the  plans  of  the  Committee.  Elizabeth  Fry's  ex- 
perience at  Newgate  was  considered  as  an  exemplification  of 
the  effects  of  religious  instruction,  and  moral  discipline  and 
control,  combined  with  Christian  kindness.  She  believed  it 
to  be  her  duty  to  use  the  influence  this  circumstance  gave 
her,  to  the  utmost  of  her  power,  and  to  avail  herself  of  every 
right  opportunity  for  communicating  the  results  of  her  per- 
sonal observation.  Nor  was  her  attention  confined  to  this 
branch  of  the  subject ;  she  was  too  keen  an  observer  not  to 
know,  that  her  experiment,  though  successful,  could  not  be 
universally  tried,  and  that  nothing  short  of  a  complete  change 
in  the  spirit  and  practice  of  the  criminal  legislation  of  the 


336  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1821. 

country,  carried  on  by  systematic  government  regulation, 
could  effect  permanent  and  general  good.  She  considered 
that  the  religion  which  we  profess  to  obey,  that  the  humanity 
implanted  even  in  the  natural  heart  of  man,  should  induce 
individuals  suited  for  the  office,  to  visit  prisons,  hospitals,  and 
other  public  institutions  ;  although  this  was,  to  her  mind,  a 
matter  wholly  independent  of  their  construction  and  arrange- 
ment. In  a  letter  on  the  subject  of  female  convict  ships,  in 
which  she  urges  the  necessity  of  certain  measures,  being 
adopted  by  government,  she  adds : — 

"  I  am  anxious  that  a  few  things  which  woujd  greatly  tend 
to  the  order  and  reformation  of  these  poor  women,  and  pro- 
tect their  little  remaining  virtue,  should  become  established 
practices,  authorised  by  government,  and  not  dependent  upon 
a  few  individuals,  whose  life  and  health,  and  everything  else, 
are  so  uncertain." 

Few  persons  have  possessed  so  little  speculativeness  of 
character,  combined  with  such  extraordinary  quickness  of 
perception,  as  Elizabeth  Fry.  She  saw,  that  whereas  the 
greater  number  of  persons  had  hitherto  been  content  to  take 
no  heed  to  passing  circumstances,  and  to  allow  abuses  to  co'ri- 
tinue,  scarcely  recognizing  their  existence,  the  time  was  come 
when  the  rights  of  humanity  would  make  themselves  heard. 
Men  of  reflection  had  begun  to  investigate  the  causes,  and 
the  probable  results,  of  the  facts  around  them.  Enormous 
errors  were  committed,  incalculable  mistakes  made,  as  must 
ever  be  the  case,  when  finite  man  leans  to  his  own  finite 
understanding ;  yet  the  good  preponderated ;  and  where 
philosophy  had  learned  in  the  school  of  Christ,  undeniable 
truths  were  proclaimed,  and  peace  and  good  will  extended  to 
mankind. 

Elizabeth  Fry  perceived  that  light  had  dawned,  she  was 
persuaded  that  it  could  never  be  again  extinguished ;  but 
she  saw,  that  to  direct  the  mental  energies  of  the  people 


1821.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  337 

aright,  general  education,  combined  with  scriptural  instruc- 
tion, and  the  unlimited  circulation  of  the  Holy  Bible,  was 
requisite. 

On  the  23rd  of  Fifth  Month,  Sir  James  Mackintosh  brought 
forward  his  motion,  "for  mitigating  the  severity  of  punish- 
ment in  certain  cases  of  forgery  and  the  crimes  connected 
therewith."  Sir  Samuel  Romilly  had,  with  the  exception  of 
Lord  Nugent,  and  a  very  few  others,  stood  almost  unsup- 
ported in  the  Lower  House ;  now,  the  contest  had  become 
nearly  equal,  and  Sir  James  Mackintosh's  Bill  was  lost  by  a 
very  small  majority.  It  was  on  this  occasion,  that  T.  F. 
Buxton  delivered  his  admirable  speech  upon  Capital  Punish- 
ment. Many  had  gone  that  night,  doubtful  as  to  the  expe- 
diency of  the  measure  proposed,  but  were  convinced  by  his 
arguments,  based  as  they  were  upon  incontrovertible  facts, 
varied  calculations,  and  unquestionable  evidence.  Some  had 
taken  their  seats  indifferent  as  to  the  question  at  issue ;  his 
warm  appeal  to  their  humanity,  and  the  responsibility  of 
legislating  for  the  lives  of  thousands,  without  having  weighed 
the  merits  of  the  case,  or  considered  the  practical  effects  of 
punishment,  aroused  them  from  their  apathy ;  others  from 
a  dread  of  change,  and  a  certain  sort  of  adherence  to  the 
opinions  of  party,  unconnected  with  the  merits  or  demerits 
of  the  opinions  themselves,  were  startled  by  the  delicate 
irony,  with  which  he  showed  the  impracticability  of  the  laws, 
and  the  strange  devices  resorted  to,  to  evade  their  literal 
fulfilment.  Excellently  did  he  generalize  the  subject,  when 
he  said,  "  There  is  no  one  who  will  deny,  that  the  laws  of  the* 
land  ought  to  be  congenial  with  the  feelings  of  the  people. 
There  was  a  time,  we  may  suppose,  in  which  this  happy  sym- 
pathy prevailed.  But  that  period  is  long  passed.  During 
the  last  century,  they  have  each  fled  from  this  point  of  con- 
currence ;  the  law  in  its  enactments,  and  the  people,  in  the 
tenor  of  their  feelings.  The  people  have  made  enormous 
strides  in  all  that  tends  to  civilize  and  soften  mankind,  while 
the  laws  have  contracted  a  ferocity,  which  did  not  belong  to 
43 


838  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1821. 

them  in  the  most  savage  part  of  our  history,  and  to  such 
extremes  of  distance  have  they  proceeded,  that  I  do  believe 
there  never  was  a  law  so  harsh  as  British  law,  or  so  merciful 
and  humane  a  people  as  the  British  people.  And  yet,  to  this 
mild  and  merciful  people,  is  left  the  execution  of  that  rigid 
and  cruel  law !" 

Although  Sir  James  Mackintosh's  bill  was  lost,  yet  it  was 
a  defeat  so  nearly  approaching  to  victory,  as  to  afford  Eliza- 
beth Fry  heartfelt  satisfaction.  She  had  again  cause  to  re- 
joice, when  early  in  the  following  Sixth  Month,  she  witnessed 
the  Freemason's  Hall  filled,  on  occasion  of  the  Meeting  for 
the  Improvement  of  Prison  Discipline,  and  the  Reformation 
of  Juvenile  Offenders.  The  Times  of  the  4th  of  that  month, 
in  an  account  of  the  meeting,  states  that  she  was  mentioned 
by  many  of  the  speakers  in  terms  of  high  eulogium,  and  was 
loudly  applauded,  when  she  quitted  the  Hall ;  but  no  allusion 
to  this  is  made  in  her  journal,  or  in  any  letters  that  have 
been  found. 

The  Duke  of  Gloucester  presided,  supported  by  Lord  John 
Russell,  Lord  Stanley,  (the  late  Earl  Derby,)  Lord  Belgrave, 
(Marquis  of  Westminster,)  Lord  Calthorpe,  the  Bishop  of 
Gloucester  (Ryder),  Sir  James  Mackintosh,  Sir  Thomas 
Baring,  and  many  other  individuals  of  rank  and  talent. 
Nobly  was  the  cause  advocated  which  had  brought  them 
together.  Lord  John  Russell  was  almost  prophetic  in  ex- 
pectation, when  he  concluded  a  short,  but  brilliant  speech, 
by  expressing  his  belief,  that  our  country  was  about  to  "  be- 
come distinguished  for  triumphs,  the  effect  of  which  should 
be  to  save,  and  not  to  destroy;"  and  that  "instead  of  laying 
waste  the  provinces  of  our  enemies,  we  might  begin  now 
to  reap  a  more  solid  glory  in  the  reform  of  abuses  at  home, 
and  in  spreading  happiness  through  millions  of  our  own 
population/' 

Plashet,  Eighth  Month,  29th. — My  beloved  daughter 
Rachel,  was  married  last  Fifth-day,  the  23rd,  at  Runcton, 
by  my  brother-in-law,  Francis  Cunningham. 


1821.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  339 

Plashet,  Ninth  Month,  3r<£. — I  doubt  not  but  that  my  late 
tendency  to  depression  of  spirits  is  caused,  not  only  by  the 
sorrow  which  I  certainly  feel,  and  great  disappointment, 
from  a  child  not  keeping  to  the  principles  that  I  have 
brought  her  up  in,  and  also  from  the  deep  sense  I  have  of 
their  intrinsic  value ;  but,  moreover,  that  I  have  to  bear  my 
conduct  in  the  affair  being  misconstrued  by  others.  Yet,  I 
have  certainly  met  with  much  kindness,  great  love  and  sym- 
pathy, and  from  quarters  where  I  should  have  least  expected 
it,  also  particularly  from  the  Friends  of  my  own  Monthly 
Meeting. 

I  am  very  much  absorbed  at  home,  where  many  things 
deeply  occupy  my  heart  and  head.  To  do  right  in  my  many 
relative  duties  is  very  difficult ;  how  deeply  I  feel  my  short- 
comings in  them !  and  yet  I  fervently  desire  to  do  my  best. 

has  my  prayers  much  more  often  than  the  day.  Lord, 

help  this  dear  child  by  Thy  Spirit,  guide  him  by  Thy  coun- 
sel, and  save  him  by  that  salvation  that  cometh  by  Christ. 
And  for  my  sweet,  dear  William,  so  visit  him,  and  influence 
him  by  Thy  anointing,  that  he  may  become  a  vessel  of 
honour,  calculated  and  prepared  to  show  forth  Thy  praise. 
Ah  !  dearest  Lord,  bless  the  lads ;  above  all  things  I  ask  of 
Thee,  far  above  all  temporal  good,  sanctify  them,  and  fit 
them  to  exalt  and  magnify  Thy  great  and  ever-excellent 
name. 

Plathet,  Tenth  Month,  ISth. — I  have  lately  been  called 
into  various  engagements.  I  attended  the  Quarterly  Meet- 
ing of  Kent  to  much  comfort  and  satisfaction,  surprised  to 
find  so  much  openness,  so  little  obstruction  in  the  way,  and 
not  a  little  consoled  to  feel  the  anointing,  afresh  and  fully 
poured  forth  to  my  great  relief;  and  I  believe  I  may  say, 
enabled  to  declare  the  word,  in  that  power  that  tendered  and 
refreshed  many  minds.  Afterwards  visited  Lord  and  Lady 
Torrington,  at  Yotes  Court ;  Maidstone  Barracks  and  Gaol, 
and  the  Noels  at  Barbara  Court,  to  satisfaction.  The  love 
of  the  Gospel  appeared  much  over  us  towards  all  amongst 


340  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1822. 

whom  our  lot  was  cast ;  our  dear  sister,  E.  Fry,  was  with  us 
throughout.  Since  this,  I  attended  the  Quarterly  Meeting 
for  Sussex  and  Surrey,  but  not  to  the  same  relief  and  satis- 
faction. 

I  had  one  very  important  Meeting  at  Brighton,  so  many 
came  that  it  rendered  it  a  Puhlic  Meeting ;  it  was  a  fearful 
time,  but  the  best  help  was  granted,  to  my  peace  and  conso- 
lation, and  a  hope  that  it  was  not  without  good  to  others. 
Since  my  return  home,  last  Seventh-day,  the  13th,  I  have 
been  enabled  to1  enjoy  and  estimate  my  blessings,  particularly 
my  delightful,  quiet  home,  garden  and  little  children. 

Flasket,  Second  Month,  21st,  1822. — Yesterday,  we  at- 
tended the  wedding  of  Cornelius  Hanbury  and  Mary  Allen. 
It  was  a  very  solemn  and  comforting  day. 

Third  Month,  $th. — Since  I  last  wrote,  we  have  visited 
almost  every  family  belonging  to  Ratcliff  Monthly  Meeting, 
Elizabeth  Copeland,  my  sister  Elizabeth  Fry,  and  myself. 
I  may  say  that  we  have  found  what  we  believed  to  be  the 
best  help  near  us,  as  we  went  from  house  to  house,  enabling 
us  to  speak  well  for  our  Master,  and  to  encourage  the  feeble 
travellers  in  their  way  to  Zion.  Some  of  the  visits  were 
poor  and  low  times,  with  such  as  appeared  to  have  their 
hearts  more  in  present  things  than  in  those  that  are  to  come, 
which  produces  great  flatness ;  but  we  were  rejoiced  to  find 
many,  who,  we  could  not  doubt,  were  humble-minded  Christ- 
ians, seeking  to  dwell  near  the  Spirit  of  truth  in  their  hearts. 
How  do  I  rejoice  in  the  prosperity  of  Zion,  and  the  enlarge- 
ment of  her  borders !  (the  true  church,  under  all  denomina- 
tions, may  be  called  Zion,)  and  in  our  small  body,  I  love  to 
see  it  spiritual  and  consistent  with  our  high  profession.  I 
have  felt  it  an  honour  and  favour  to  be  once  more  thus  en- 
gaged in  my  dearest  Master's  cause,  it  has,  at  times,  brought 
that  sweet  peace  with  it,  that  nothing  else  can  give. 

Plashet,  Fifth  Month,  Znd. — I  am  favoured  with  general 
health  of  body,  and  cheerfulness  of  mind ;  a  good  deal  occu- 
pied by  temporal  things,  though  I  trust  not  resting  in  them. 


1822.J  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    F  11 Y .  341 

My  readings  in  Newgate  at  this  time  of  the  year,  are  pecu- 
liarly exercising  to  me,  so  many  attend,  and  often  such  a 
variety ;  and  some  of  such  high  rank,  I  should  think  so  little 
accustomed  to  hear  the  truth  spoken.  The  prospect  of  them 
is  sometimes  really  awful  to  me,  and  if  I  know  the  desire  of 
my  heart  respecting  them,  it  is  this — that  the  cause  of  truth 
and  righteousness  may  be  exalted,  my  Lord  glorified,  and 
living  faith  in  Him  promoted ;  and  for  myself  and  those  en- 
gaged in  the  work,  that  we  may  dwell  low  before  Him  who 
hath  helped  us,  abide  in  His  fear,  and  not  the  fear  of  man  ; 
seek  His  pleasure,  and  not  our  own  pleasure,  and  if,  in  un- 
merited mercy,  He  is  pleased  to  help  us  and  to  own  us  by 
His  presence,  that  we  may  ever  remember,  that  to  us  belongs 
nothing  but  confusion  of  face,  but  to  Him  alone,  glory, 
honour,  power,  thanksgiving  and  praise.  Amen,  Lord,  be 
pleased  to  bless  these  seasons,  that  we  have  been  brought 
into,  we  humbly  trust,  by  the  ordering  of  Thy  providence ; 
so  that  they  may  tend  to  good,  and  that  they  may  be  to 
some,  as  "  bread  cast  upon  the  waters,  that  will  return  after 
many  days." 

Plashet,  28fA. — Since  writing  the  above,  I  have  had  fresh 
cause  to  raise  up  my  Ebenezer  ;  help  having  been  granted, 
and  to  my  own  feelings  way  marvellously  made  for  me,  in 
things  that  I  exceedingly  dreaded.  In  the  first  place,  I  felt 
very  low,  and  peculiarly  under  discouragement,  partly  from 
my  sense  of  weakness,  both  of  body  and  mind,  and  partly 
from  the  idea  that  Friends  might  not  feel  unity  with  me  after 
my  child's  marriage.  In  the  first  place,  I  had,  in  the  Meet- 
ing of  Ministers  and  Elders,  to  pray  for  direction  and  help 
for  myself  and  others  during  the  Yearly  Meeting,  which 
appeared  as  if  owned  by  the  Great  Head  of  the  church. 
The  next  thing  was  our  Ladies'  Prison  Meeting,  which  I 
dreaded,  and  had  many  misgivings  about ;  however,  this  was 
got  through  quite  beyond  my  expectation  :  the  accounts  of 
many  instances  of  reform  from  different  prisons  were  tru1 
encouraging  and  comforting,  and  the  whole  feeling  wa/> 


342  LIPB    OP    ELIZABETH    PET.  [1822. 

if  a  blessing  were  in  it ;  dear  Mary  Dudley  prayed,  and 
several  of  us  had  to  acknowledge  the  kindness  of  the  Most 
High  in  it,  and  to  Him  alone,  in  all  things,  did  we  desire  to 
give  the  glory.  This  Meeting  gave  me  a  little  hope  and 
encouragement ;  still,  when  I  found  that  my  awful  concern  to 
visit  the  Men's  Meeting  remained,  fear  was  indeed  my  por- 
tion, and  such  a  dread  lest  I  might  not  know  the  voice  of  the 
great  and  good  Shepherd ;  however,  I  found  amidst  all  my 
fears,  no  way  of  relief  for  my  mind,  but  in  laying  my  views 
before  the  Women's  Meeting;  they  were  met  with  much 
unity  and  encouragement,  quite  beyond  what  I  expected. 
My  beloved  sister,  Elizabeth  Fry,  went  with  me,  Sarah 
Benson,  and  my  aunt  Jane  Gurney.  We  entered  the  Men's 
Meeting  trembling.  What  an  awful  service  it  is  for  a  poor 
weak  woman  to  go  amongst  so  many  hundred  men.  After 
being  seated,  I  soon  found  the  spirit  of  prayer  poured  forth ; 
I  knelt  down,  and  found  myself  greatly  strengthened  to  offer 
up  my  supplications  for  ourselves,  and  for  the  body  then 
present;  Elizabeth  Fry  then  spoke,  in  much  calmness  and 
power,  which  I  doubt  not  would  deeply  impress  those  who 
heard  her ;  I  followed  her,  and  it  was  marvellous  to  me  the 
unction  that  I  felt  to  deliver  what  opened  to  me,  principally 
to  the  young  people,  and  to  the  sorrowful  and  perplexed, 
especially  from  outward  causes  ;  there  was  great  solemnity 
over  the  Meeting,  and  very  many  appeared  to  be  in  tears ; 
therefore  what  can  we  say,  but  that  our  merciful  God  was  on 
our  side,  and  He  became  our  Helper  ?  Surely  it  is  the  Lord's 
doing,  and  marvellous  in  our  eyes. 

Much  comfort  and  satisfaction  were  expressed  after  Meet- 
ing, by  different  Friends,  and  so  my  fears  vanished.  May 
this  afresh  lead  me,  in  doing  and  ia  suffering,  to  commit  my 
cause  to  my  most  Gracious  Helper,  Saviour,  and  Redeemer, 
and  fully  trust  in  Him. 

Sixth  Month,  10th. — Obliged  to  go  to  town  to  meet  the 
Prince  and  Princess  of  Denmark,  at  the  Borough  Road 
School ;  afterwards  received  a  very  poor  account  of  dearest 
Jane.  A  low  day. 


1822.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  843 

Plashet  13th. — Accounts  came  that  our  dear  sister  Jane, 
the  wife  of  my  much-loved  brother  Joseph,  died  at  Earlham 
on  Second-day  the  10th,  a  little  before  six  o'clock,  and  that 
my  dearest  brother,  thanks  be  to  Him  who  helped  him,  was 
enabled  to  give  her  up  with  a  resigned  spirit.  Heavenly 
love  and  support  were  very  manifest  to  them  both :  and  she 
appeared  greatly  prepared  for  it,  notwithstanding  the  short 
notice  she  had.  She  was,  I  believe,  one  who  loved  and 
feared  the  Lord,  and  who  proved  her  love  by  her  humble 
dedication,  and  watchful,  circumspect  conduct ;  she  was  an 
excellent  wife,  mother,  daughter,  and  sister,  a  great  friend  to 
the  poor,  and  remarkably  generous.  May  her  loss  be  fully 
made  up  to  our  poor  brother,  by  that  gracious  Power  that 
has  thus  bereaved  him  of  one  so  dear  and  so  lovely  to  him. 

Earlhanij  16th. — After  weighing  the  matter  the  best  I 
could,  such  were  my  inexpressible  drawings  of  love  to  Joseph 
and  the  others,  that  I  believed  it  best  for  my  body  and  mind 
to  come  here,  though  I  left  home  really  poorly  ;  but  I  found 
the  change  of  air  useful,  till  last  evening  after  arriving  here, 
when  I  felt  very  unwell,  which  took  sad  hold  of  my  nerves, 
and  I  had  a  painful  night.  Still  I  may  acknowledge  my  true 
and  deep  consolation  in  seeing  my  dearest  brother  Joseph, 
my  aunt  Birkbecfc,  and  the  rest  of  the  family  so  greatly,  even 
marvellously,  supported. 

Earlham,  21«£. — Day  by  day  strength  is  granted  to  us, 
to  my  beloved  brother  and  his  poor  mother-in-law,  though 
the  late  afflicting  event  cast  a  cloud  over  all  temporal  things : 
some  of  the  party  appear  wonderfully  raised  in  spirit  and 
strong  in  faith.  I  rejoice  and  am  glad  for  them  ;  for  myself 
I  feel  particularly  unworthy,  and  as  if  far  behind  some 
others  in  spiritual  advancement,  and  true  dedication ;  I  am 
ready  to  be  reminded  of  that  text,  "  The  first  shall  be  last, 
and  the  last  first."  Still  I  trust  there  is  a  following  on  to 
know  the  Lord,  amidst  many  infirmities. 

Earlkam,  22nd. — I  feel  brought  low  before  the  Lord ; 
what  can  I  say  and  what  can  I  do,  but  beseech  Thee,  oh, 


344  LIFB    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1822. 

our  Lord  !  to  care  for  us,  present  and  absent,  to  undertake 
for  us,  to  show  us  the  sufficiency  of  Thy  grace,  and  the  power 
of  Thy  salvation  ?  We  beseech  Thee,  through  Him  that  hath 
loved  us  and  given  Himself  for  us,  that  Thou  wouldest  draw 
us  all,  whether  now  far  from  Thee,  or  near  unto  Thee,  by 
the  powerful  cords  of  Thy  loving-kindness,  out  of  darkness 
into  Thy  marvellous  light,  that  we  may  ever  dwell  in  Thy 
light  and  in  Thy  love,  and  know  the  fulness  of  Thy  power, 
Thy  glory,  and  Thy  majesty.  Amen. 

We  were  favoured  to  get  through  the  first  Meeting  of  the 
Quarterly  Meeting  to  great  satisfaction,  the  truth  arose  even 
into  something  of  dominion;  many  of  the  Lord's  servants 
had  to  minister  in  His  name,  and  even  I,  unworthy  as  I  am, 
was  greatly  helped. 

Plashet,  Seventh  Month,  1st. — I  was  just  set  off  for  town, 
when  I  had  to  return,  to  receive  the  Princess  of  Denmark ; 
it  was  a  satisfactory  visit.  Several  Italian  noblemen  and 
others  to  dinner.  My  brother  and  sister  Hoare,  and  many 
besides,  slept  here.  My  fatigue  great. 

Eighth  Month,  2Qth. — Yesterday  was  our  wedding-day, 
we  have  been  married  twenty-two  years  ;  how  many  dispen- 
sations have  I  passed  through  since  that  time,  how  have  I 
been  raised  up,  and  cast  down  !  How  has  a  way  been  made 
in  the  depths,  and  a  path  in  the  mighty  waters ;  I  have 
known  much  of  good  health,  and  real  sickness  ;  great  bodily 
suffering,  particularly  in  my  confinements,  and  deep  depres- 
sion of  spirits. 

I  have  known  the  ease  of  abundance  of  riches,  and  the 
sorrow  and  perplexity  of  comparative  deprivation  ;  I  have 
known  to  the  full,  I  think,  the  enjoyment  of  domestic  life  ; 
even  what  might  be  called  the  fullness  of  blessing,  and  also 
some  of  its  most  sorrowful  and  most  painful  reverses.  I  have 
known  the  abounding  of  the  unspeakable,  and  soul-satisfying 
joy  of  the  Lord  ;  and  I  have  been  brought  into  states,  when 
the  depths  had  well  nigh  swallowed  me  up.  I  have  known 
great  exaltation  amongst  my  fellow-mortals,  also  deep  humili- 


1822.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  345 

ation.  I  have  known  the  sorrow,  of  some  most  tenderly 
beloved,  being  taken  from  me  by  death ;  and  others  given  me, 
hitherto  more  given  than  taken. 

What  is  the  result  of  all  this  experience  ?  It  is  even,  that 
the  Lord  is  gracious  and  very  merciful,  that  His  compassions 
fail  not,  but  are  renewed  every  morning ;  and  may  I  not  say, 
that  His  goodness  and  mercy  have  followed  me  all  the  days 
of  my  life  ?  Though  he  has,  at  times,  permitted  me,  amidst 
many  and  unspeakable  blessings,  to  pass  through  unutterable 
sorrows  ;  known  only  to  the  full  extent  by  Him  and  my  own 
soul,  yet  He  hath  been  an  All-sufficient  helper ;  His  right 
hand  hath  sustained  me  and  held  me  up,  blessed  be  His 
name  for  ever ;  He  hath  never  forgotten  to  be  gracious,  nor 
hath  He  shut  up  His  tender  mercies  from  me.  May  I  not 
indeed  raise  up  my  Ebenezer,  and  acknowledge  that  there  is 
"  no  God  like  our  God,"  and  that  it  is  a  most  blessed  thing 
to  serve  Him,  even  if  it  be  by  the  way  of  the  cross,  for  He 
is  indeed  worthy  to  be  served,  worshipped  and  obeyed,  now 
and  for  ever.  Above  all,  I  pray  for  myself,  that  whatever 
dispensations  I  may  yet  pass  through,  nothing  may  separate 
me  from  His  love,  or  hinder  me  from  His  service,  but  that  I 
may  be  increasingly  and  entirely  devoted  to  Him  in  heart, 
mind,  and  spirit ;  through  the  help  of  my  most  dear  and 
blessed  Redeemer. 

Plaahet,  16th. — I  believe  it  right  once  more  to  make  an 
acknowledgment  of  the  mercy  of  my  God.  Although  I  feel 
in  a  very  sensitive  state  of  mind  and  body,  yet  my  soul  is  in 
great  mercy  kept  calm,  quiet,  and  generally  cheerful,  before 
the  Lord  ;  I  speak  thus  because,  through  the  grace  and  free 
mercy  of  my  God,  I  feel,  in  measure,  living  unto  Him  ;  and 
as  if  His  power  and  His  presence  were  near,  to  calm  the 
storms  that  would  naturally  arise,  and  also  as  if  what  I  did, 
I  was  enabled  to  do  in  reference  to  His  will.  Most  assuredly 
He  is  no  hard  Master ;  how  truly  .can  I  speak  to  this  !  al- 
though, in  wisdom,  He  has  led  me  by  the  way  of  the  cross, 
very  greatly  so,  to  flesh  and  blood,  both  in  doing  and  in 
44 


346  LIPB    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1822. 

suffering ;  yet  there  is  abundant  liberty  in  the  gospel.  How 
do  I,  at  times,  find  that  the  very  same  Spirit  leads  into  rest, 
and  refreshment,  and  consolation — how  far  from  requiring 
what  we  are  not  able  to  perform  !  May  those,  for  such  there 
are,  I  do  believe,  even  tender  ones,  who  desire  to  do  right  in 
the  sight  of  the  Lord ;  who,  from  their  own  activity,  go  be- 
yond His  requirings,  and  therefore  misinterpret  His  word 
inwardly  and  outwardly,  and  make  religion  appear  a  gloomy 
and  rigid  path, — may  these  be  brought  to  feel  the  rest,  re- 
freshment, and  even  right  liberty  (not  in  evil)  which  the  gospel 
of  light  and  salvation  really  brings  into.  I  think  I  know  what 
it  is  when  a  fearful  mind,  or  looking  to  the  opinions  of  others, 
or  a  judgment  of  myself,  has  led  to  a  sort  of  self-denial,  that 
the  -best  witness  in  my  heart  has  neither  warranted,  nor  led 
into,  though  I  most  fully  acknowledge  also  that  too  great 
laxity.is  my  more  prevailing  temptation,  as  it  respects  myself 
and  others — but  enough  do  I  know  of  the  true  liberty  of  the 
gospel,  however,  at  seasons,  we  may  indeed  have  to  bear  our 
cross  in  doing  and  in  suffering — enough  do  I  know  of  it,  to 
long  for  all  to  be  brought  into  it,  from  the  most  worldly  to 
the  most  rigid  formalist,  under  every  denomination  ;  for  such 
I  believe  there  are  amongst  all ;  and  though  I  feel  for  these, 
in  what  appear  to  me  bonds  of  their -own  making,  yet  I  doubt 
not,  but  that,  in  tender  mercy,  they  are  accepted,  and  that 
their  state  is  safe  indeed,  compared  with  that  of  the  worldly- 
minded. 

Elizabeth  Fry  now  mentions  meeting  Dr.  Chalmers.  They 
mutually  helped  each  other  in  plans  of  benevolence. 

On  the  1st  of  Eleventh  Month,  her  youngest  child  was 
born,  and  on  the  same  day  her  eldest  grandchild. 

Plashet,  Eleventh  Month,  1th. — Words  fall  utterly  short 
of  expression  of  the  unmerited  mercy  which  has  been  shown 
us.  On  the  night  of  the  30th,  I  had  to  pass  through  a  very 
deep  conflict  of  spirit,  comfort  appeared  to  fail,  deep  dis- 


1822.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  347 

couragement  and  great  fear  took  hold  of  me  ;  I  felt  I  had  a 
baptism  to  be  baptized  with,  and  how  was  I  straitened  until 
it  was  accomplished,  (if  the  servant  dare  allude  to  drinking 
even,  at  seasons,  of  the  cup  the  Master  drank  of,)  but  after 
a  time  the  conflict  ceased,  sweetness,  trust,  love  and  confi- 
dence, took  place  of  it.  I  felt  bound  to  have  my  husband, 
children,  my  dear  sister  Gurney,  and  Susan  Pitchford,  besides 
such  of  the  maids  as  liked  to  join  us,  collected  together, 
when,  after  reading  I  poured  forth  my  soul  in  fervent  prayer, 
for  my  dearest  Rachel  and  myself  in  our  time  of  conflict, 
for  help  spiritually,  and  naturally  for  tender  mercy.  And 
how  striking  to  me  it  was,  in  little  more  than  twenty-four 
hours — only  fourteen  hours  apart — Rachel  and  myself  had 
each  a  darling  boy  born.  Both  of  us  very  graciously  and 
wonderfully  helped. 

Plashet,  13th. — I  write  this  journal  in  the  midst  of  my 
lying-in  with  my  eleventh  child,  in  a  very  tender,  delicate 
state  of  body,  and  unworthy  state  of  soul,  after  having  (of 
late  peculiarly)  received  many  and  great  blessings,  spiritually 
and  naturally.  I  cannot  feel  thankful  enough  for  all  my 
many  blessings ;  so  weak  has  been  my  state  that  the  very 
grasshopper  has  become  a  burden,  and  I  think  I  have  shown 
my  infirmity  to  others,  as  well  as  felt  it  myself,  though  I  may 
say  that  I  have  sought  after  a  quiet  and  patient  spirit.  In  a 
serious  and  trying  attack  of  spasms  in  my  side,  I  found,  in 
tender  mercy,  that  Power  to  be  near,  which  helped  me ; 
although  I  was  seriously  alarmed  about  myself,  I  felt  my 
pleasant  pictures  marred,  and  was  even  much  affected  at  the 
idea,  that  perhaps  I  should  be  taken  from  my  beloved 
family,  still  I  think  it  was  principally  nervous  fear ;  for 
when  such  a  call  really  comes,  strength  will  be  given  for  the 
need,  and  the  same  help  administered,  that  has  so  marvel- 
lously been  displayed  in  many  of  the  deep  conflicts  of  time. 

My  soul  feels  utterly  unworthy,  and  deeply  prostrate 
before  Thee,  dearest  Lord,  at  my  utter  inability  fully  to 
return  Thee  thanks  for  all  Thy  benefits.  Make  me  fit  to 


848  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1822 

receive  them  ;  enable  me  to  acknowledge  them  ;  strengthen 
me  to  walk  more  circumspectly  before  Thee  in  thought, 
word,  and  deed.  Thou  knowest  that  I  love  Thee,  that, 
above  all  things,  I  believe  my  desire  is,  to  serve  Thee,  love 
Thee,  and  obey  Thee.  Thou  hast  manifested,  and  canst 
manifest  Thyself  to  be  all-sufficient,  to  be  "strength  in 
weakness,  riches  in  poverty,  and  a  present  helper  in  every 
needful  time."  Grant  a  little  help,  if  Thou  seest  meet,  to 
bring  me  again  into  life ;  that  I  may  serve  Thee  better,  love 
Thee  more,  and  as  a  wife,  mother,  mistress,  and  member  of 
Thy  church,  and  of  society  at  large,  may  more  perfectly 
keep  ray  eye  single  unto  Thee,  and  do  all  to  Thee,  and 
through  Thee,  to  the  praise  of  Thy  Holy  name.  And  con- 
tinue to  grant,  if  it  please  Thee,  a  blessing  on  those  labours 
of  love,  that  Thou  hast  permitted  me  to  be  brought  into  in 
the  prisons,  and  that  the  work  may  not  stop  till  much  more 
be  accomplished  in  it.  Amen. 

First-day,  YIth. — My  body  recovering,  though  weak.  My 
spirit  tendered  before  the  Lord,  for  His  great  and  unspeak- 
able benefits.  My  naturally  too  insensible  heart  softened 
before  Him,  who  I  may  say  is  the  delight  of  my  soul,  my 
Lord  and  my  God,  my  Saviour  and  Redeemer.  I  remember 
those  that  are  worshipping,  as  worshipping  with  them,  and 
my  spirit  feels  sweet  unity  with  the  Church  Militant,  and 
perhaps,  though  utterly  unworthy  of  it,  with  the  Church 
Triumphant,  as  if  I  could  unite  with  both,  in  the  everlasting 
song  of  high  praises,  even  to  our  God,  and  to  His  Lamb, 
who  hath  shown  such  tender  mercy  towards  us,  and  made 
Himself  manifest  to  us,  as  our  Saviour  and  Redeemer. 
Blessed  for  ever  be  His  name. 

21th. — Peace  and  sweetness  appear  to  rest  upon  me  in 
entering  life.  Oh  !  for  my  sweet  infant,  if  life  be  granted 
him,  may  he  be  indeed  devoted  to  the  Lord.  We  neither 
circumcise  nor  baptize,  but  may  he  be  baptized  by  the 
saving  baptism  of  Christ !  and  be  in  spirit  circumcised  unto 
the  Lord  !  I  have  (perhaps  in  weakness)  much  set  my  heart 


1822.]  L-IFE   OF   ELIZABETH   FRY.  349 

upon  this  child,  rather  expecting  he  may  be  a  comfort  to  us 
in  our  old  age,  and  not  only  so,  but  above  all,  that  he  may 
prove  a  devoted  servant  of  Christ.  May  this  blessed  work 
not  be  hindered  by  any  false  indulgence  in  us  ;  but  may  it 
be  truly  promoted  by  example,  precept,  and  the  true  disci- 
pline of  love  and  wisdom. 

Twelfth  Month,  2nd. — Yesterday,  at  Meeting,  the  Truth 
rose  into  much  dominion,  blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord. 
I  was  enabled  to  supplicate  and  minister  to  my  own  relief, 
and  I  trust  to  the"  refreshment  of  others,  also  my  dearest 
brother  Joseph,  Rebecca  Christy,  and  my  sister,  Elizabeth 
Fry,  in  prayer.  It  appeared  a  solemn  time.  The  day, 
generally  speaking,  a  favoured  one  ;  but  in  the  night  I  was 
deeply  brought  to  a  sense  of  my  own  weakness.  If  the 
beautiful  garments  spiritually  were  put  on  in  the  morning, 
surely  they  were  taken  off  at  night.  What  are  we  but 
instruments,  however,  for  a  season  decorated  with  our  Lord's 
ornaments ;  self  cannot  boast,  when  left  to  ourselves,  and 
our  decorations  taken  off!  How  wonderful  is  the  work  of 
the  Spirit — how  it  heals,  and  raises  up  body  and  soul,  when 
they  are  to  be  brought  into  service ;  none  can  tell,  but  those 
who  have  experienced  something  of  it,  how  the  anointing  is 
poured  forth  from  on  high.  It  is  an  honour  I  am  unworthy 
of,  to  be  thus  helped  spiritually,  particularly  in  the  ministry. 
But  how  deeply  doth  my  spirit  crave  that  I  may  also  be 
aided  in  all  the  practical  duties  of  life. 

14$A. — I  yesterday  went  to  London,  and  visited  Newgate. 
My  greeting  there  was  warm  from  the  prisoners,  the  com- 
mittee, and  others.  I  felt  peaceful  there,  and  afresh  sensible 
that  the  work  was  not'  our's,  that  we  had  first  been  brought 
there ;  and  I  had  to  crave  a  blessing  upon  our  labours,  and 
also  to  acknowledge  the  tender  mercy  of  our  God  as  our 
Saviour  and  Deliverer.  I  was  low  in  myself,  but  felt  re- 
newedly  the  great  importance  of  the  prison  cause  ;  and  if 
those  who  espouse  it  are  enabled  to  persevere,  what  good 


350  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1822. 

may  be  done,  in  preventing  much  crime  that  has  been  both 
plotted  and  perpetrated  in  prisons. 

In  this  year  (1822)  the  late  John  Randolph,  while  Ameri- 
can Envoy  to  this  country,  visited  Newgate — he  gave  a 
description  of  the  scene  to  a  friend  who  thus  recites  the 
particulars  of  the  narrative :  "  Suddenly,  Randolph  rose 
from  his  chair,  and,  in  his  most  imposing  manner,  thus  ad- 
dressed me  :  '  Mr.  Harvey,  two  days  ago  I  saw  the  greatest 
curiosity  in  London — aye,  and  in  England,  too,  sir — com- 
pared to  which  Westminster  Abbey,  the  Tower,  Somerset 
House,  the  British  Museum,  nay,  Parliament  itself,  sink  into 
utter  insignificance  !  I  have  seen,  sir,  Elizabeth  Fry,  in 
Newgate,  and  I  have  witnessed  there,  miraculous  effects  of 
true  Christianity  upon  the  most  depraved  of  human  beings ! 
And  yet  the  wretched  outcasts  have  been  tamed  and  subdued 
by  the  Christian  eloquence  of  Mrs.  Fry !  I  have  seen  them 
weep  repentant  tears  while  she  addressed  them.  I  have 
heard  their  groans  of  despair,  sir!  Nothing  but  religion 
can  effect  this  miracle ;  for  what  can  be  a  greater  miracle 
than  the  conversion  of  a  degraded,  sinful  woman,  taken 
from  the  very  dregs  of  society  !  Oh,  sir,  it  was  a  sight 
worthy  the  attention  of  angels  !  You  must,  also,  see  this 
wonder.'  '  ^ 

During  this  year  the  Prince  and  Princess  Royal  of  Den- 
mark visited  England.  They  inspected  many  charitable  and 
public  institutions,  and  evinced  a  lively  interest  in  objects 
that  conduced  to  the  moral  and  religious  welfare  of  mankind. 
Early  one  morning  Elizabeth  Fry  received  information  that 
the  Princess  wished,  on  that  day,  to  breakfast  with  her.  She 
came  accordingly ;  the  visit  was  a  very  satisfactory  one,  and 
from  that  time  an  association  commenced  with  this  excellent 
Princess,  that  continued  until  E.  Fry's  decease. 

We  find  her,  soon  afterwards,  addressing  the  following 
letter : — 


1822.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  851 


To  THE  PRINCESS  ROYAL  OF  DENMARK. 

Plashet  House,  Eleventh  Month,  23rd,  1822. 

Dear  and  respected  Friend, 

» 

Allow  me  to  call  thee  so,  for  such  I  feel  thee,  as  thou  art 
truly  both  loved  and  respected  by  me.  According  to  thy 
kind  and  condescending  wish,  expressed  when  here,  I  take 
up  my  pen  to  inform  thee,  that  upon  the  first  of  this  month, 
through  the  tender  mercy  of  my  God,  I  was  safely  delivered 
of  a  sweet  boy,  and  to  add  to  our  cause  of  joy  and  thanks- 
giving, my  dear  daughter  had  also  one  born  on  the  same  day, 
so  that  twenty-four  hours  added  a  son  and  grandson  to  our 
already  numerous  family ;  we  have,  both  of  us,  with  our  in- 
fants, been  going  on  well,  and  with  the  exception  of  some 
illness,  that  I  passed  through  in  the  early  part  of  my  con- 
finement, and  my  habitual  delicacy  at  such  times,  I  am  as 
well  now  as  I  can  expect  to  be. 

I  have  often  thought  of  thy  kind  visit  with  deep  interest, 
and  strong  desires  are  raised  in  my  heart  for  thy  welfare  and 
preservation  in  every  way,  that  the  God  of  Peace  may  be 
with  thee  continually,  guiding .  thee  by  His  counsel,  helping 
thee  by  His  Spirit,  comforting  thee  by  His  love,  during  thy 
continuance  here;  and  afterwards,  when  he  may  be  pleased 
to  take  thee-  hence,  to  be  seen  of  men  no  more,  through  His 
mercy  in  Christ  Jesus,  receiving  thee  into  glory.  I  also  feel 
real  interest  and  best  desires  for  the  Prince  Royal, — may  you 
both  be  encouraged  in  every  good  word,  and  work.  I  re- 
member the  words  of  Paul,  in  the  15th  chapter  of  the  1st  of 
Corinthians,  58th  verse  :  "  Be  ye  stedfast,  unmoveable,  al- 
ways abounding  in  the  work  of  the  Lord,  for  as  much  as  ye 
know  that  your  labour  is  not  in  vain  in  the  Lord." 

It  would  give  me  great  pleasure  and  satisfaction  to  hear 
from  thee,  or  if  that  be  asking  too  much,  perhaps  the  lady 
whom  we  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  hero,  will  let  us  know 


352  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PEY.  [1823. 

many  particulars  respecting  your  welfare,  and  how  you  go  on 
in  Denmark,  as  it  respects  the  prisons,  schools,  and  other 
works  of  charity  and  love.  I  should  also  be  pleased  to  know 
whether  the  books  and  the  other  things  which  we  sent  to 
Count  Moltke,  and  also  some  of  the  work  of  the  prisoners, 
ever  came  safely  to  thy  hand,  as  we  were  prevented  sending 
them  quite  so  soon  as  we  hoped  to  have  done.  I  should  be 
glad  to  be  very  respectfully  and  affectionately  remembered  to 
the  Queen,  and  also  to  the  Prince  Royal,  thy  consort :  and 
believe  me,  with  much  respect  and  regard, 

Thy  attached  and  obliged  Friend, 

ELIZABETH  FRY. 

Plasliet,  First  Month,  2nd,  1823. — "  Our  years  pass  away 
as  a  tale  that  is  told."  Upon  concluding  one,  and  beginning 
another  year,  my  heart  has  been  brought  low  before  the 
Great  I  am  ;  and  I  have  desired,  after  a  renewed  searching 
of  heart,  to  see  how  my  accounts  stand  spiritually,  and  in 
what  I  can  more  fully  serve  my  Lord,  and  bear  the  fruits  of 
the  Spirit.  I  have  inwardly  prayed  for  help,  as  well  as 
vocally  for  myself,  my  family,  my  household,  and  those  most 
near  and  dear  to  me  ;  above  all,  that  there  may  be  known 
amongst  us  more  of  the  light,  life,  and  spirit  of  religion  ; 
and  beyond  every  other  blessing,  more  knowledge  of  the 
truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus. 

Amongst  the  interests  of  the  opening  year  was  the  mar- 
riage of  Elizabeth  Fry's  youngest  brother  Daniel  Gurney 
of  North  Runcton,  to  the  Lady  Harriet  Hay,  one  of  tho 
daughters  of  the  Earl  of  Erroll.  The  contrast  of  his  cir- 
cumstances of  prosperity,  with  those  of  his  brother,  Joseph 
John  Gurney,  treading  the  lonely  path  of  widowhood,  touched 
her  closely ;  and  after  writing  to  one  brother,  she  addressed 
the  other. 

The  following  is  an  extract  from  her  letter  to  her  brother 
Joseph  John  Gurney. 


1823.]  LIFB    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  353 

Plashet,  First  Month,  Sth.  1823. 
My  dearest  Joseph, 

Having  just  written  to  one  dear  brother,  feeling  and  ex- 
pressing my  sympathy  in  his  joys ;  I  think  I  shall  better 
conclude  my  morning's  work,  by  also  telling  thee  how  much 
I  have  been  with  thee  in  mind  in  thy  low  estate.  I  feel  for 
thee  and  sympathize  with  thee,  but  if  a  poor  fellow-mortal 
feels  so  tenderly  for  another,  how  must  it  be  with  Him, 
whose  love,  pity,  and  tender  compassion  are  unbounded. 
Surely  thy  Lord  and  His  Comforter,  will  be  found  very  near 
to  thee,  in  His  own  time  healing  thy  wounds.  I  believe,  as 
we  may  rejoice  and  return  thanks  for  our  dear  brother's  pre- 
sent fulness  of  enjoyment,  so  we  may  also  for  thee  in  thy 
privations ;  because  all  is  permitted  in  tender  mercy  and 
loving-kindness.  I  doubt  not  that  thou  hast  many  pains  to 
bear,  by  night  and  by  day,  as  the  desolation  produced  by  thy 
loss  would  naturally  occasion  ;  but  I  trust  patience  will  have 
its  perfect  work,  and  so  tend  further  to  purify,  and  redeem, 
and  fit  thee  for  thy  Master's  work. 

Plashet,  First  Month,  Sth. — A  deep  feeling  of  infirmity 
has  been  my  portion.  Yesterday,  my  mind  was  so  much 
engrossed  in  temporal  things,  that  I  did  not  get  rid  of  them, 
even  at  Meeting ;  and  the  day  before  some  inattention  in  a 
servant  annoyed  me  too  much  in  mind,  which  in  degree  was 
shown,  so  as  to  be  followed  by  condemnation,  and  being  thus 
brought,  through  my  omissions  and  commissions,  to  the  feet  of 
Jesus,  the  prayer  of  my  heart  is  to  Him  for  justification,  and 
purification,  that  I  may  know  my  transgressions  to  be  for- 
given, and  that  I  may  be- afresh  fitted  and  prepared  by  His 
Spirit,  for  a  more  watchful  and  circumspect  walk  before  Him, 
whom  my  soul  loves  and  pants  after ;  and  I  believe  desires, 
above  all  things,  to  serve,  worship,  and  obey. 

"l'2nd. — On  the  16th,  I  was  sent  for  to  Harapstead,  to  my 
beloved  sister  Hoare,  (who  was  ill).  Such  seasons  are  to  me 
times  of  real  conflict  spiritually  and  naturally  :  spiritually  to 
45 


354  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1823 

know  what,  in  the  way  of  religious  service,  may  be  required 
at  my  hand,  and  also  close  sympathy  with  those  in  trouble, 
naturally,  from  my  acute  sense  of  suffering,  and  my  great 
love  for  my  sisters.  I  know  few  things  that  occasion  me  a 
deeper  feeling  of  impotence  and  unworthiness,  than  attend- 
ing the  sick.  I  may  say,  it  always  brings  home  to  me  very 
deeply  the  unworthiness  of  my  own  heart ;  indeed,  I  do  not 
much  think  nursing  is  my  allotment,  though  often  in  it,  for 
my  acute  feeling  for  those  near  to  me  is  such,  that  however 
I  may  maintain  a  cheerful  countenance,  my  heart  is  affected 
so  as  painfully  to  affect  my  nerves. 

The  sentiments  here  expressed,  respecting  her  services  for 
the  sick,  are  very  different  from  those  entertained  of  her  by 
such  as  received  or  witnessed  her  attentions.  She  displayed, 
in  cases  of  illness,  great  presence  of  mind,  a  quick  perception 
of  the  changes  taking  place  in  the  patient,  a  singular  readi- 
ness in  expedients  to  meet  them,  much  judgment  and  skill 
in  the  administration  of  remedies,  and  the  whole  combined 
with  a  quiet,  cheerful  manner,  and  most  tender  sympathy,  so 
as  to  inspire  complete  confidence  and  dependence  on  herself 
in  the  sufferer,  as  well  as  the  assistants. 

During  the  present  month  she  writes  in  her  journal — 

I  attended  Westminster  Meeting,  which  I  have  looked  to 
for  some  time,  as  well  as  others  of  our  Quarterly  Meeting. 
I  believed  when  there,  that  if  I  were  well  carried  through 
that,  to  the  relief  of  my  own  mind,  and  if  best  help  then 
felt  near,  I  should  have  to  visit  most  of  the  Meetings  in  our 
Quarterly  Meeting,  held  on  First-day  Mornings.  It  so 
proved  that  I  felt  help  very  near,  so  that  the  language  of  my 
spirit  was,  "  It  is  the  Lord's  doing,  and  marvellous  in  my 
eyes."  In  nothing  has  the  work  of  grace  been  so  marvel- 
lous to  me  as  in  the  ministry ;  it  surely  is  not  my  own  work  ; 
— I  know  enough  of  myself  to  believe  it  to  be  quite  impos- 
sible. Oh,  what  an  unction  I  now  and  then  feel,  it  is  as 


1823.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  355 

much  to  be  felt  strengthening  the  soul,  as  the  body  is  felt  to 
be  refreshed  after  wholesome  good  food.  The  work  of  the 
Spirit  is  a  wonderful  work,  and,  to  my  naturally  doubting 
and  sceptical  mind,  astonishing.  I  have  been  permitted  to 
know  more  of  it  than  I  could  have  either  asked  or  thought. 
I  believed  it  best  to  lay  my  prospect  of  a  general  attend- 
ance of  these  Meetings,  before  our  dear  friends  at  the 
Monthly  Meeting  yesterday,  which  was  to  my  peace ;  sweet 
unity  and  sympathy  were  expressed  in  it,  and  my  be- 
loved sister  E.  F.  proposed  to  join  me,  which  is  a  comfort 
to  me.  It  is  cause  of  much  thankfulness  to  have  such  a 
companion. 

Plashet,  Second  Month,  13tfA. — I  attended  Tottenham 
Meeting  on  the  2nd.  I  went  low  and  under  deep  exercise 
of  mind ;  I  returned  in  measure  relieved,  though  naturally 
upset  with  many  fears ;  I  hardly  ever  remember  being  en- 
gaged in  a  service  where  doubts  and  fears  beset  me  to  an 
equal  extent.  On  First  day  the  9th,  we  were  at  Devon- 
shire House ;  it  was  an  extraordinary  Meeting.  I  desire, 
in  more  simplicity  of  faith,  to  attend  the  other  Meetings. 
I  think  I  have  been  too  anxious,  too  fearful ;  if  the  work  be 
not  our's,  why  worry  and  perplex  myself  about  it  ? 

19//J. — Since  writing  the  above,  I  attended  the  Peel  Meet- 
ing, on  First-day,  which  was  to  the  great  relief  of  my  mind: 
since  that  time  my  bonds  have  appeared  wonderfully  broken, 
my  spirit  has  had  to  rejoice  and  be  glad,  and  my  fears  have 
been  removed,  so  that  I  can  indeed  say,  how  marvellous  is 
the  work  of  the  Spirit ! 

On  Second-day,  I  dined  at  the  Mansion  House,  with  my 
husband  ;  a  change  of  atmosphere  spiritually  ;  but  if  we  are 
enabled  to  abide  in  Christ,  and  stand  our  ground,  we  may, 
by  our  lives  and  conversation,  glorify  God,  even  at  a  dinner 
visit,  as  well  as  in  more  important  callings.  Generally  speak- 
ing, I  believe  it  best  to  avoid  such  occasions,  for  they  take 
up  time,  and  are  apt  to  dissipate  the  mind ;  although  it  may 
occasionally  be  the  right  and  proper  calling  of  Christians, 


356  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1823. 

thus  to  enter  life ;  but  they  must  then  keep  the  eye  very 
single  to  Him,  who,  having  placed  them  in  the  world,  can 
alone  keep  them  from  the  evil. 

24th. — We  were  helped  through  the  service  yesterday  at 
Ratcliffe  Meeting.  It  really  appeared  a  favoured  time,  and 
peculiar  harmony  and  power  in  the  ministry  generally  pre- 
vailed, with  great  solemnity  in  the  silence.  I  may  say  that  I 
had  afterwards  a  cheerful,  peaceful  day,  with  my  family. 

Third  Month,  5th. — I  have  lately  been  remarkably  full  of 
occupations,  and  yet  they  have  appeared  right,  and  almost 
unavoidable.  On  First-day,  I  attended  Southwark  Meeting ; 
mercy  and  peace  eventually  accompanied  it.  On  Fifth-day, 
I  went  to  town,  to  meet  the  Secretary  of  State  (Sir  Robert 
Peel)  and  the  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Commons  at  New- 
gate, with  my  brother  Fowell  Buxton,  and  my  husband ;  I 
trust  the  time  was  blessed  to  the  good  of  the  cause. 

Sixth-day  in  town  again  to  Newgate,  one  of  the  bishops 
and  many  others  there ;  it  was  a  solemn  time — a  power  better 
than  ourselves  seemed  remarkably  over  us.  I  visited  another 
prison,  and  then  returned  home ;  besides  these  out  of  door 
objects,  I  am  much  engaged  in  nursing  my  babe,  which  is  a 
sweet  employment,  but  takes  time ;  the  rest  of  the  children 
are  comfortably  settled  in  with  dear  Mary  Ann  Davis,  who  is 
now  once  more  with  us.  Upon  sitting  down  to  write,  and 
looking  round  me,  surrounded  as  I  am  with  my  family,  sup- 
plied with  so  many  temporal  comforts,  spiritual  blessings  not 
withheld  j  for  I  trust  that  there  is  rather  an  increase  than 
decrease  of  the  best  thing  amongst  us ;  I  thought,  as  the 
query  arose  in  my  heart,  "Lackest  thou  any  thing?"  I 
might  indeed  say,  "Nothing,  Lord,"  except  a  further 
establishment  for  us  all,  in  the  ever  blessed  truth,  as  it  is 
in  Jesus.  What  can  I  render  to  Thee  for  all  thy  benefits  ? 
Grant,  dearest  Lord  !  in  thy  child  and  servant,  a  heart  fully 
and  entirely  devoted  to  Thee  and  Thy  service.  Amen. 

2,9th. — Since  I  last  wrote,  1  have  attended  Winchmore 
Hill  Meeting  to  satisfaction,  together  with  my  dear  sister 


1823.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  357 

Elizabeth,  William  Allen,  and  my  brother  Samuel,  whose 
company  I  enjoyed.  My  husband  has  engaged  Leslie,  the 
painter,  to  come  and  take  likenesses  of  him  and  me,  to 
which,  from  peculiar  circumstances,  I  have  appeared  obliged 
to  yield;  but  the  thing,  and  its  effect  on  the  mind,  are 
unsatisfactory  to  me ;  it  is  not  altogether  what  I  like,  or 
approve ;  it  is  making  too  much  of  this  poor  tabernacle, 
and  rather  exalting  that  part  in  us  which  should  be  laid 
low,  and  kept  low ;  I  believe  I  could  not  have  yielded 
the  point  had  not  so  many  likenesses  of  me  already  ap- 
peared, and  it  would  be  a  trial  to  my  family,  only  to  have 
these  disagreeable  ones  to  remain.  However  from  one  cause 
or  another,  this  has  not  been  a  satisfactory  week,  too  much 
in  the  earth  and  the  things  of  it,  too  little  in  the  spirit ; 
though  not  without  seeking  to  take  up  my  cross,  deny  my- 
self, and  follow  my  Lord  and  Master.  I  feel  particularly 
unfit  and  unworthy  to  enter  again  upon  my  religious  en- 
gagement :  we  propose  going  to  Uxbridge  this  evenirig. 
My  only  hope  is  in  Him,  who  can  alone  cleanse,  fit, 
strengthen,  and  prepare  for  his  own  work ;  under  a  deep 
feeling  of  my  short-comings,  may  I  not  say,  dearest  Lord, 
undertake  for  me  ! 

Fourth  Month,  1th. — We  went  to  Uxbridge,  though  natu- 
rally rather  a  low  time,  yet  it  ended  to  my  real  comfort. 
The  Morning  Meeting  was  a  very  solemn  one,  a  deep  feel- 
ing of  good,  and  the  anointing  of  the  Spirit  appeared  freely 
poured  forth.  The  Evening  Meeting  was  satisfactory ;  and 
in  several  religious  opportunities  in  the  families,  my  heart 
was  enlarged  in  much  love  to  the  dear  Friends  there,  whom 
I  think  I  may  say,  I  love  in  the  Lord. 

1.2th. — Since  I  last  wrote,  we  have  been  engaged  in  various 
ways,  particularly  in  the  sale  of  work  done  by  the  poor  pri- 
soners in  Newgate ;  this  has  been  a  considerable  public 
exposure,  but  I  trust  not  without  profit.  I  deeply  felt  upon 
entering  it,  the  danger  of  the  pollutions  of  the  world,  and 
the  desire  that  we,  who  are  seeking  in  this  way  to  promote 


358  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1823 

the  cause  of  truth  and  righteousness,  might  maintain  tho 
watch  on  this  point.  I  trust  no  harm  was  done ;  but  I  feel, 
after  being  with  so  many,  much  brought  down  in  myself, 
under  a  feeling  of  great  infirmity.  I  think,  in  looking  back 
on  the  last  two  days,  I  do  not  feel  condemned,  but  rather 
that  I  have  been  in  my  right  place,  and  that  some  good  may 
result  from  the  whole  thing. 

Since  the  Maria  had  been  visited  in  1818,  as  each  succes- 
sive season  brought  the  sailing  of  a  female  convict  ship,  the 
subject  obtained  a  large  share  of  Elizabeth  Fry's  attention. 
Amongst  those  who  assisted  her  in  her  efforts  to  improve  the 
condition  of  these  ships,  the  late  Elizabeth  Pryor  was  one 
most  especially  devoted  to  the  work ;  with  the  exception  of 
one  ship  (the  Amphitrite,)*  she  visited  every  transport  which 
sailed  from  England  with  female  convicts,  until  prevented 
by  the  sickness,  which  terminated  ift  her  death,  in  1841. 

This  was  not  done  without  much  fatigue  and  inconveni- 
ence; frequent  exposure  to  weather  in  open  boats,  and 
occasionally  to  danger.  On  one  occasion,  Elizabeth  Pryor 
and  Elizabeth  Fry  were  placed  in  a  situation  of  considerable 
alarm,  from  which  they  were  relieved,  by  the  interposition  of 
the  present  Harbour  Master  at  Ramsgate.  His  narrative 
will  interest  the  reader  : — 

"  It  was  on  a  fine  sultry  day,  in  the  summer  of  1821,  that  I  was 
racing  up  the  river  Thames,  in  the  command  of  the  Ramsgate  Steam 
Packet,  Eayle,  hoping  to  overtake  our  Margate  competitors,  the  Vic- 
tory and  Favourite  steamers,  and  bring  them  nearer  to  view  as  we 
rounded  the  points  of  the  Reach  of  the  river.  It  was  in  the  midst 
of  this  excitement,  that  we  encountered  one  of  those  sudden  thunder 

*  This  vessel  was  wrecked  off  Boulogne.  One  hundred  and  twenty 
female  convicts,  many  of  whom  had  been  objects  of  care  and  instruc- 
tion in  Newgate,  together  with  a  large  number  of  children,  also 
the  captain,  officers,  and  nearly  all  the  crew,  were  lost.  Neither 
Elizabeth  Fry  nor  any  of  the  Committee  ever  visited  this  ship. 


1823.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  359 

squalls,  so  common  in  this  country,  and  which  passing  rapidly  off 
with  heavy  rain,  leave  behind  them  a  strong  and  increasing  northerly 
gale.  I  was  looking  out  a-head,  pleasing  myself  with  the  reflection 
that  we  were  the  fastest  vessel  against  a  head  wind,  and  should 
certainly  overtake  our  Margate  friends  ;  when  upon  entering  Long 
Reach,  about  two  miles  below  Purfleet,  I  saw  a  boat  labouring 
with  very  little  effect  against  the  gale,  and  with  a  whole  ebb-tide 
just  making,  to  add  to  their  difficulties ;  in  this  boat  were  two  ladies, 
in  the  close  habit  of  the  Society  of  Friends,  evidently  drenched  with 
the  heavy  shower  which  had  overtaken  them.  I  was  then  a  dashing 
high-spirited  sailor;  but  I  had  always  a  secret  admiration  of  the 
quiet  demeanour  of  that  Society,  and  occasionally  had  some  of  them 
passengers  with  me,  always  intelligent  and  inquiring,  and  always 
pleased  with  any  information  a  seaman  could  extend  to  them.  Well, 
here  was  a  dilemma !  To  stop,  would  spoil  nay  chase,  in  which  most 
of  my  passengers  were  as  eager  as  myself,  but  to  go  on,  and  pass  two 
ladies  in  such  a  situation !  I  passed  the  word  softly  to  the  engineer; 
desired  the  mate  to  sheer  alongside  the  boat  carefully ;  threw  the 
delighted  rowers  a  rope,  and  before  the  passengers  were  fully  aware 
that  we  had  stopped  the  engines,  the  ladies  were  on  board,  the  boat 
made  fast  astern,  and  the  Eagle  again  flying  up  the  Thames.  I  have 
those  two  persons  strongly,  nay,  indelibly  stamped  upon  my  mind's 
eye.  The  one  I  had  last  assisted  on  board,  still  held  my  hand,  as 
she  thanked  me,  with  dignified,  but  beautiful  expression  :  '  It  ,is 
kind  of  thee,  Captain,  and  we  thank  thee.  We  made  no  sign  to 
thee ;  having  held  up  our  handkerchiefs  to  the  other  packets,  we  did 
not  think  we  should  succeed  with  thee.'  I  assured  them  that  I 
could  not  have  passed  them  under  such  circumstances,  and  called 
the  stewardess  to  take  them  below  into  the  ladies'  cabin  and  sec  to 
their  comfort.  They  had  been  well  cloaked,  and  had  not  suffered 
so  much  as  I  had  anticipated. 

"  The  gale  had  cleared  away  the  rain,  and  in  a  very  short  time 
they  came  upon  deck  again,  one  of  them  was  Mrs.  Fry,  and  she 
never  lost  an  opportunity  of  doing  good.  I  saw  her  speaking  to 
some  of  my  crew,  who  were  looking  very  serious  as  she  offered  them 
tracts,  and  some  of  them  cast  a  side  glance  at  me,  for  my  approval 
or  otherwise.  I  had  some  little  dislike  to  sects  then,  which,  I  thank 
God,  left  me  in  riper  years, — but  who  could  resist  this  beautiful 


360  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1823. 

persuasive,  and  heavenly-minded  woman  ?  To  see  her,  was  to  love 
her;  to  hear  her,  was  to  feel  as  if  a  guardian  angel  had  bid  you 
follow  that  teaching,  which  could  alone  subdue  the  temptations  and 
evils  of  this  life,  and  secure  a  Redeemer's  love  in  eternity !  In  her, 
you  saw  all  that  was  attractive  in  woman,  lit  up  by  the  bright  beams 
of  philanthropy  devoting  the  prime  of  life,  and  health,  and  per- 
sonal graces,  to  her  Divine  Master's  service ;  and  I  feel  assured  that 
much  of  the  success  which  attended  her  missions  of  mercy,  was 
based  upon  that  awe  which  such  a  presence  inspired.  It  was  some- 
thing to  possess  a  countenance  which  portrayed,  in  every  look,  the 
overflowing  of  such  a  heart,  and  thus,  as  a  humble  instrument  in 
the  hands  of  Divine  Providence,  she  was  indeed  highly  favoured 
among  women. 

"  She  told  me  that  her  companion,  Mrs.  Pryor,  and  herself  had 
been  down  to  Gravesend  to  take  leave  of  the  unfortunate  women 
(convicts)  on  board  a  ship  bound  to  the  settlements,  and  gave  me  so 
touching  a  description  of  their  behaviour,  that  I  volunteered  to  take 
charge  of  any  thing  for  her  at  any  time,  or  render  her  any  service 
in  my  power,  in  my  voyages.  When  about  to  land,  her  anxiety  to 
make  some  pecuniary  recompense  was  very  great,  but  I  would  not 
allow  her  to  do  so.  Mrs.  Fry  never  forgot  me  when  she  cama 
near  our  locality;  I  saw  her  from  time  to  time,  the  earthly  taber 
nacle  failing,  but  the  same  spirit  lighting  up  with  animation  hei 
untiring  energies.  It  was  an  honour  to  know  her  in  this  world ; 
may  we  follow  her  to  the  society  of  the  accepted  and  blessed,  in 
that  which  is  to  come. 

"K.  B.  MAHTIN. 

"  llamsgate,  February,  1847." 

On  another  occasion,  Elizabeth  Fry  reached  Deptford  late 
in  the  afternoon  of  a  very  tempestuous  day.  A  female  con- 
vict ship  was  under  sailing  orders  for  the  next  morning,  and 
it  being  after  office-hours,  she  went  to  the  private  house  of 
Admiral  Young,  to  request  him  to  send  her  off  to  the  ship, 
By  the  time  she  returned  on  shore,  it  was  quite  dark,  and 
the  wind  and  rain  to  which  she  had  been  exposed,  seemed 
to  make  a  little  rest  and  refreshment  almost  indispensable, 
before  she  set  off  homewards.  But  she  resisted  all  the  invi- 


[1823.  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  861 

tations  of  Admiral  Young  and  his  family  to  remain  with 
them ;  assigning,  as  a  reason,  that  she  had  left  one  of  her 
children  seriously  ill,  to  whom  she  was  anxious  to  hasten 
back.  This  little  incident  left  a  deep  impression  on  their 
minds ;  "  that  such  a  claim  on  a  mother's  heart,  had  not 
been  permitted  to  interfere  with  that,  to  which  she  had 
pledged  her  best  energies  and  powers." 

Thus,  did  this  tender  and  delicate  woman  willingly  en- 
counter personal  suffering  and  exposure,  in  obeying  the 
dictates  of  divine  love,  which  led  her  to  follow  in  the  foot- 
steps of  Him,  "  who  came  to  seek  and  to  save  that  which 
was  lost." 

It  was  not  for  the  sinners  and  outcasts  alone  that  Eliza- 
beth Fry  pleaded ;  whatever  she  believed  likely  to  promote 
the  real  good  of  the  people,  and  the  cause  of  religion  upon 
earth,  found  in  her  a  ready  advocate.  To  the  poor  and 
needy  her  ear  was  always  open,  and  she  would  "  humble 
herself,"  for  so  she  felt  it,  to  ask  that  for  them  of  her  family 
and  friends,  which  it  was  not  in  her  own  power  to  bestow. 
Her  brothers  gladly  responded  to  every  call  on  their  benevo- 
lence, and  she  enjoyed  from  this  source,  the  high  gratifica- 
tion of  being  able  to  supply  the  streams  of  blessing,  in  many 
and  varied  channels. 

But  it  was  not  only  to  the  poor — to  those  who  moved  in 
the  humbler  walks  of  life — that  she  was  the  messenger  of 
consolation  and  help.  She  was  frequently  introduced  into 
circumstances,  that  called  forth  her  deep  religious  sympathy 
with  persons  of  exalted  worldly  rank,  whose  piety  derived 
strength  and  encouragement  from  association  with  her. 

The  following  letter  received  at  this  time,  exemplifies  this 
fact. 

THE  DUCHESS  VOF TO  ELIZABETH  FRY. 

"June  28th,  1823. 

"You,  dear  madam,  were  so  kind  as  to  call  upou  me  some  days 
ago,  I  was  most  unfortunately  out,  and  missed  you ;  will  you  nat 
46 


362  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1825 

have  the  kindness  to  try  again  ?  I  cannot  express  in  writing,  hall 
the  pleasure  your  last  visit  gave  inc.  The  poor  are  not  the  on!y 
beings  to  whom  you  bring  hope  and  comfort,  whom  you  strengthen, 
when  you  hope  they  are  in  the  right ;  and  whom  you  would  assist 
to  recover  the  way  of  life,  did  you  see  (which  their  own  feelings, 
prejudices,  temper  or  sufferings,  might  blind  them  to,)  that  they 
were  going  wrong.  If  you  would  let  me  have  a  line,  to  tell  me 
when  I  might  hope  to  see  you,  I  would  take  care  not  to  be  again 
disappointed.  I  leave  town  the  last  week  in  July. 

•'  Believe  me,  your  most  truly  obliged, 


Plashet,  Seventh  Month,  31  st. — Since  I  last  wrote,  I  have 
passed  through  a  scene  of  deep  affliction,  in  attending  dear 
Mary  Hanbury.  I  was  called  to  her  on  Third-day,  the  6th ; 
after  great  illness,  she  died  on  the  16th,  leaving  her  beloved 
father  (William  Allen),  husband,  and  helpless  infant.  I  had 
to  drink  the  bitter  cup  with  the  afflicted,  in  an  unusual  degree, 
so  as  to  bring  me  very  low  in  myself,  out  of  which  state  I  have 
not  fully  risen,  but  am  rather  sunk  in  mind  and  body.  I  have, 
however,  the  consolation  of  believing,  that  I  was  a  help  and 
comfort  to  my  sweet  and  dear  young  friend,  whoso  remem- 
brance is  precious  to  me,  so  was  her  company,  I  think  I  may 
say  to  the  last,  her  spirit  appearing  to  overflow  with  love, 
joy,  and  peace.  She  having,  I  believe,  kept  the  faith,  finished 
her  course,  and  fought  the  good  fight.  I  have  since  attended 
great  part  of  the  Yearly  Meeting,  and  the  Prison  Meeting, 
in  all,  to  me,  a  low  time. 

Flasket,  Eighth  Month>  1th. — We  have  lately  had  much 
company,  which  leads  to  handsome  dinners,  and  that  sort  of 
excitement  which  I  feel  painful  on  account  of  my  family ;  but 
I  find  it  very  difficult  to  act  rightly  under  some  of  these  cir- 
cumstances. Oh  !  for  more  ability,  in  the  power,  and  in  the 
spirit,  to  maintain  the  standard  of  truth  and  righteousness  in 
my  own  house,  in  all  things ;  so  that  others  may  be  induced 
to  do  the  same. 

Earlham,  Tenth  Month,  1st. — My  beloved   husband  left 


1823.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FEY.  863 

me  this  morning  for  London,  and  I  am  here,  with  nine 
children  and  my  little  grandson.  Since  I  last  wrote,  the 
face  of  things  brightened.  >  I  went  to  Bristol  to  attend  the 
Quarterly  Meeting  there,  accompanied  by  my  brother,  Joseph 
John  Gurney,  and  my  sister  E.  F. ;  we  left  home  on  Sixth- 
day,  the  llth  of  last  month,  and  returned  on  Fifth-day, 
the  17th.  In  this  short  time,  we  travelled  about  two 
hundred  and  eighty  miles,  visited  the  Meeting  at  Bath, 
and  the  Bristol  Quarterly  Meeting ;  held  two  Public  Meet- 
ings, visited  the  prison,  attended  to  the  magistrates  and 
committee ;  visited  Hannah  More,  my  cousin  Priscilla  H. 
Gurney,  and  several  others.  The  last  few  days  my  hus- 
band and  I  have  been  at  Cromer,  and  paid  an  interesting 
visit  to  my  much-loved  brothers  and  sisters  there.  I  was 
at  different  times,  engaged  religiously  amongst  them,  and 
help  was  granted  me  in  these  services.  I  feel  unworthy 
and  unfit,  and  find  that  there  is  need  of  close,  cleansing, 
baptisms  of  spirit,  to  make  me,  in  any  degree,  ready  thus 
to  espouse  the  best  of  causes.  I  am  much  struck  in  having 
all  my  children,  but  one,  now  here ;  several  of  them  grown 
up  ;  what  marvellous  changes  have  I  witnessed  since  I  first 
knew  this  place ;  wonders,  indeed,  have  been  done  for  me, 
spiritually  and  naturally — how  have  I  been  raised  up,  as 
out  of  the  dust !  I  am  surrounded  by  a  numerous,  fine,  and 
healthy  offspring ;  one  only  taken  from  me,  and  that  one 
with  a  peculiar  evidence  of  going  to  an  everlasting  and  blessed 
inheritance.  Spiritually  also,  how  has  mercy  been  shown  me; 
has  not  the  beloved  of  my  soul  said,  "  live  ?"  and  how  has 
He  been  with  me  in  many  tribulations,  and  sanctified  many 
blessings.  Indeed,  I  have  found  that  my  Lord  is  a  wonder- 
working God,  and  has  manifested  himself  to  be  to  my  soul, 
"  Wonderful,  Counsellor,  the  Mighty  God,  the  Everlasting 
Father,  and  the  Prince  of  Peace."  What  can  I  render  for 
His  unspeakable  benefits  ?  Lord,  in  Thy  unmerited  mercy, 
continue  to  be  with,  and  bless  Thy  servant,  whose  hope  is  in 
Thee.  Grant  also  Thy  grace  to  her  children,  to  love,  serve, 


364  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1823. 

and  obey  Thee,  that  her  God  may  be  their  God,  her  Saviour 
their  Saviour,  and  her  Comforter  their  Comforter.  Be  with, 
visit,  and  bless  her  husband,  brothers  and  sisters,  and  child- 
ren's children  yet  unborn,  as  well  as  the  sweet  grandchild, 
now  granted  her.  Amen. 


njitn 


1824-1829.  Journey  to  Worcester — British  Ladies'  Society — Estab 
lishment  of  Manor  Hall  Asylum  and  School  of  Discipline  at  Chelsea 
— Brighton — District  Visiting  Society  there — Books  for  Preventive 
men,  near  Brighton — Letter  from  Dr.  Steinkopff — Dagenham — Visit 
to  Brighton — Return  to  Plashet — Death  of  her  aunt  Gurney — Goes 
into  Norfolk — Letter  to  her  family — Marriage  of  her  eldest  eon — 
Autumn  at  Dagenham — Journey  into  Cornwall  and  Devonshire — 
Letter  from  Hannah  More — Convict  Ships — Tisit  to  Ireland — Illness 
at  Waterford — Return  home — Illness  and  death  of  Rachel  Gurney— 
Birth  of  a  grandson — Journey  into  Norfolk  and  Derbyshire — Mar- 
riage of  a  daughter — Heavy  sorro'-ws — Leaves  Plashet — Winter  in 
London — Settlement  at  Upton-lane. 

EARLY  in  this  year,  Elizabeth  Fry  paid  a  religious  visit 
to  some  of  the  Midland  Counties.  She  was  accompa'nied  by 
her  brother,  Samuel  Gurney.  She  returned  home  in  feeble 
health. 

Plashtt,  Third  Month,  29th.— We  reached  home  last  Fifth 
day,  having  accomplished  the  duty  we  had  in  prospect,  to 
our  own  peace,  and  I  trust  to  the  edification  of  those  amongst 
whom  our  lot  has  been  cast.  I  continued  very  unwell 
the  whole  journey,  and  what  with  exercise  of  mind,  and 
real  illness  of  body,  I  think  I  have  seldom  known  such  a 
time ;  nor  do  I  ever  remember  being  so  helped  through  the 
different  services  that  I  was  brought  into.  Visiting  gaols, 
attending  two  Quarterly  Meetings,  and  many  not  Friends ; 
one  occasion  in  Worcester  gaol ;  one  large  Public  Meeting, 
the  first  I  ever  appointed  of  that  description  ;  and  many 
other  Meetings :  but  the  way  I  was  raised  up,  as  from  tho 
dust,  was  wonderful  to  myself;  enabled  to  speak  with  power, 


366  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1824. 

and  in  the  Quarterly  Meetings  to  go  from  service  to  service. 
It  was  indeed  a  remarkable  evidence,  that  there  is,  in  man, 
something  beyond  the  natural  part,  which,  when  that  is  in 
its  lowest,  weakest  state,  helps  and  strengthens ;  none  can 
tell  what  its  power  is,  but  those  who  submit  to  it.  I  now 
feel  fully  called  to  rest.  I  gratefully  remember  the  abund- 
ant kindness  shown  me  upon  my  journey.  Greater  enlarge- 
ment of  my  heart  in  love  do  I  never  remember,  or  to  have 
met  more  from  others.  I  have  been  permitted  to  feel, 
throughout  this  illness,  at  times,  very  sweet  consolation.  A 
state  of  rest,  as  if  the  sense  of  pain  and  sorrow  was  taken 
away  from  body  and  mind,  and,  now  and  then,  almost  like 
a  peep  into  the  joys  of  the  Kingdom. 

First-day r,  1.5th. — Yesterday,  after  a  very  weak  and  faint 
morning,  I  attended  our  "  Ladies'  British  Society  "  Meeting ; 
it  was  surprising,  even  to  myself,  to  find  what  had  been  ac- 
complished !  How  many  prisons  are  now  visited  by  ladies, 
and  how  much  is  done  for  the  inhabitants  of  the  prison-house, 
and  what  a  way  is  made  for  their  return  from  evil.  It  is 
marvellous  in  my  eyes,  that  a  poor  instrument  should  have 
been  the  apparent  cause  of  setting  forward  such  a  work. 

The  necessity  for  asylums,  for  the  reception  of  discharged 
female  prisoners,  now  claimed  the  attention  of  Elizabeth  Fry 
and  her  fellow-labourers. 

In  1822,  a  small  house  for  receiving  some  of  the  most 
hopeful  of  the  discharged  prisoners  was  opened  in  Westmin- 
ster, under  the  name  of  Tothill-Fields  Asylum.  It  owed  its 
existence  to  the  Christian  benevolence  of  one  truly  valuable 
member  of  the  committee,  Caroline  Neave.  She  has  conse- 
crated her  time  and  purse  to  this  important  object,  which  was 
first  suggested  to  her  mind  during  a  drive  with  Elizabeth 
Fry,  thus  related  by  herself : — "A  morning's  expedition 
with  dear  Mrs.  Fry  made  me  at  once  resolve  to  add  my  help, 
if  ever  so  feebly,  to  the  good  cause.  I  distinctly  remember 
the  one  observation  made.  I  can  call  to  mind  at  this  mo- 


1824.]  LIFE  OP  ELIZABETH   FRY.  367 

ment,  the  look,  and  tone,  so  peculiar,  so  exclusively  her's 
who  spoke — '  Often  have  I  known  the  career  of  a  promising 
young  woman,  charged  with  the  first  offence,  to  end  in  a  con- 
demned cell !  Was  there  but  a  Kefuge  for  the  young  offen- 
der, my  work  would  be  less  painful.'  That  one  day's  con- 
versation upon  these  subjects,  and  in  this  strain,  laid  the 
foundation  of  our  prisoners'  home."* 

The  inmates  at  first,  were  only  four  in  number ;  in  1824, 
they  had  increased  to  nine  ;  after  a  few  years,'  under  the 
name  of  "The  Royal  Manor  Hall  Asylum,"  it  contained 
fifty  young  women. 

There  was  another  class  of  persons  who  claimed  the  atten- 
tion of  the  ladies  of  the  British  Society  at  this  meeting.  The 
vicious  and  neglected  little  girls,  so  numerous  in  London, 
early  hardened  in  crime,  who,  whether  they  had,  or  had  not, 
been  imprisoned,  had  no  chance  of  reformation  at  home  ;  yet 
were  too  young  to  be  placed  with  advantage  in  any  existing 
asylum.  Before  the  next  anniversary,  a  School  of  Discipline, 
for  the  reception  of  such  children,  was  opened  at  Chelsea, 
where,  withdrawn  from  their  former  associates,  they  might 
be  trained  to  orderly  and  virtuous  habits.  The  idea  first 
occurred  to  Elizabeth  Fry,  when  conversing  in  the  yard 
at  Newgate,  with  a  friend,  on  the  extreme  difficulty  of 
disposing  of  some  very  juvenile  prisoners  about  to  be  dis- 
charged. 

Brighton,  Fifth  Month,  18th. — We  arrived  this  evening, 
my  health  continuing  very  delicate.  I  have  been  induced  to 
come  here,  partly  by  finding  my  weakness  increase,  and 

•  In  addition  to  this  excellent  Institution,  which  continues  very  pros- 
perous, a  similar  one,  for  the  reception  of  discharged  female  prisoners 
who  appear  likely  to  prove  themselves  to  be  reformed  characters,  is 
now  established  at  Hackney,  and,  under  the  designation  of  tho 
"ELIZABETH  FRY  REFUGE,"  is  effecting  much  good.  Both 
these  Aaylums  are  liberally  patronized  by  our  beloved  Queen,  and 
they  havo  a  very  strrnjj  claim  on  the  honevolenne  of  the  public. 


368  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1824. 

partly  to  oblige  my  husband,  and  others ;  although  it  is,  on 
many  accounts,  much  to  my  regret,  leaving  my  dear  children. 
I  have  also  much  felt  leaving  my  dear  Friends  at  the  Yearly 
Meeting  ;  still  I  trust  we  have  done  right  in  coming,  and  I 
can,  now,  only  commend  myself,  and  my  all,  absent  and 
present,  to  Him  who  alone  can  keep  and  preserve  us ;  and 
if  it  please  Him  to  bless  this  measure  for  my  recovery,  may 
thankful  hearts  be  our  portion. 

First-day,  23rcZ. — I  am  once  more  away  from  Meeting  on 
this  day  ;  but  my  strength  does  not  appear  sufficient,  to  ven- 
ture to  sit  one I  felt  this  morning  as  I  sometimes 

have  before,  about  the  time  that  people  generally  assemble  to 
worship,  (when  I  have  been  sitting  in  solemn  silence  poorly, 
and  alone,)  peculiar  unity  with,  and  sweet  love  for,  the 
members  of  the  Church  of  Christ,  not  only  that  part  of  it  to 
which  I  belong,  but  to  others  also.  I  do  believe  there  is  a 
communion  of  spirits,  that  neither  separation  of  person,  nor 
difference  of  sentiment,  can  obstruct,  if  we  abide  in  a  watch- 
ful, waiting  state,  and  that  so  many  of  the  members  of  the 
living  Church,  being  engaged  in  waiting  upon  and  worship- 
ping our  God,  through  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord,  spreads  a 
good  and  refreshing  influence,  which  extends  even  to  those 
who  are  absent. 

During  her  stay  at  Brighton,  Elizabeth  Fry  was  often  dis- 
tressed by  the  multitude  of  applicants  for  relief.  This  was 
not  confined  to  beggars  by  profession,  who  infested  the  streets, 
following  carriages  and  foot-passengers,  with  clamorous  im- 
portunity, but  extended  to  the  resident  poor,  many  of  whom 
had  acquired  the  habit  of  asking  assistance  at  the  houses, 
not  only  of  the  inhabitants,  but  of  the  visitors  to  the  place. 
It  was  difficult  for  the  former,  but  almost  impossible  for  the 
latter,  to  discover  their  true  condition,  whether  their  poverty 
was  real  or  assumed  ;  and  if  real,  whether  caused  by  impro- 
vidence and  idleness  on  their  own  part,  or  whether  the  result 
of  misfortune  and  providential  infliction. 


1824.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  369 

Brighton  appeared  exactly  the  field  for  working  a  District 
Visiting  Society.  There  was  no  lack  of  benevolent  feeling, 
and  abounding  affluence  was  to  be  found  there  ;  but  the  for- 
mer was  frequently  misdirected,  and  the  latter  misapplied. 
A  Provident  Society  had  been  in  operation  some  years,  but 
this  touched  only  one  part  of  the  evil. 

It  was  no  easy  matter  to  unite  in  the  same  object,  persons 
wholly  different  in  opinion,  especially  in  religious  matters ; 
but  without  co-operation  the  desired  end  could  not  be  effected, 
and  after  some  delays,  and  much  discouragement,  she  suc- 
ceeded in  getting  the  "  Brighton  District  Society"  establish- 
ed. The  Earl  of  Chichester  became  its  President.  Its  objects 
were — the  encouragement  of  industry  and  frugality  among 
the  poor,  by  visits  at  their  own  habitations ;  the  relief  of  real 
distress,  whether  arising  from  sickness  or  other  causes ;  and 
the  prevention  of  mendicity  and  imposture,  together  with  "  a 
system  of  small  deposits,  upon  the  plan  of  Savings'  Banks, 
which  was  encouraged  by  a  present  premium,  in  order  to 
induce  the  labouring  classes  to  try  to  lay  by  a  little  store  for 
their  own  necessities."  To  accomplish  the  desired  ends, 
visitors  were  found,  or  offered  themselves,  to  go  from  house 
to  house,  and  become  acquainted  personally  with  the  cha- 
racter and  circumstances  of  their  occupants. 

"  The  smallest  pittance,  as  a  deposit  for  rent,  or  clothing, 
or  fuel,  by  being  often  repeated,  may  prove  to  the  poorest, 
that  it  is  within  their  power  effectually  to  help  themselves, 
by  such  habits  of  frugality  and  resolution."  The  personal 
intercourse  of  the  visitors  with  the  poor,  is  a  most  important 
branch  of  the  subject,  it  tends  to  good-will  on  both  sides ;  it 
induces  order  and  cleanliness  amongst  the  visited,  and  a 
feeling  of  kindness  and  interest  in  the  heart  of  the  visitor. 

In  the  course  of  Elizabeth  Fry's  illness  at  Brighton,  she 
was  liable  to  distressing  attacks  of  faintness,  during  the 
night  and  early  morning  ;  when  it  was  frequently  necessary 
to  take  her  to  an  open  window,  for  the  refreshment  of  the  air. 
Whether,  through  the  quiet  grey  dawn  of  the  summer's 


370  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1824. 

morning,  or  by  the  fitful  gleams  of  a  tempestuous  sky,  one 
living  object  always  presented  itself  to  her  view  on  these 
occasions ;  the  solitary  blockade-man*  pacing  the  shingly 
beach.  It  first  attracted  her  attention,  and  soon  excited  her 
sympathy ;  for  the  service  was  one  of  hardship  and  of  danger, 
and  was  one  that  entailed  much  privation,  both  on  officers 
and  men ;  the  stations  were  often  placed  in  dreary  and  inac- 
cessible places.  From  the  very  nature  of  the  service,  they 
were  precluded  from  communication  with  the  inhabitants, 
amongst  whom  it  was  exceedingly  unpopular ;  constantly 
harassed  with  nocturnal  watching,  exposed  to  danger,  both 
from  weather  and  affrays  with  smugglers,  they  might  almost 
be  said  to  be  in  a  state  of  blockade  themselves.  What  Eliza- 
beth Fry  heard,  only  confirmed  her  desire  to  do  something 
for  their  moral  and  religious  good.  The  lieutenants  in  com- 
mand of  several  of  the  neighbouring  posts  warmly  seconded 
her  views.  Considering  the  nature  and  regulations  of  the 
Coast  Blockade,  almost  the  only  thing  that  could  be  done, 
was  to  supply  the  people  with  Bibles  and  useful  books.  In 
furtherance  of  this  purpose,  she  applied  to  the  Bible  Society, 
whose  liberal  response  was  conveyed  in  the  following  letter 
from  one  of  its  Secretaries,  Dr.  Steinkopff. 

Savoy,  July  IWi,  1824. 
"  My  Esteemed  and  Dear  Friend., 

"  I  have  received  your  truly  kind  and  affectionate  'letter  this 
morning,  and  immediately  communicated  its  contents  to  the  Printing 
Sub-Committee  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  which 
happened  to  meet  at  Earl-street.  They  have  unanimously  re- 
solved to  transmit  fifty  Bibles  and  twenty-five  New  Testaments  to 
the  Brighton  Auxiliary,  with  a  request  to  place  them  at  your  dis- 
posal, for  distribution  among  the  men  employed  in  the  Preventive 
Service.  In  general,  we  have  found  cheap  sale  preferable  to  gratu- 
itous distribution^  but  if,  in  consideration  of  all  the  peculiar  cir- 

*  Now  called  the  "  Coast  Guard,"  or  "  Preventive  Service,"  for  the 
detection  of  smuggling. 


1824.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  371 

cumstances  of  the  above-mentioned  men,  you  should  judge  it 
most  desirable  to  present  the  copies  as  a  donation  to  them,  you  are 
at  liberty  so  to  do." 

The  distribution  of  these  books  was  a  welcome  office  to 
her,  to  whom  it  was  intrusted  ;  it  brought  her  into  agreeable 
and  interesting  communication  with  some  of  the  officers,  as 
well  as  men,  stationed  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Brighton. 
Her  endeavours  to  serve  them  were  received  with  openness, 
and  responded  to  with  the  warmth  and  simplicity  of  the 
sailor  character.  Communications,  a  few  months  afterwards, 
proved  that  the  benefit  was  likely  to  be  lasting. 

After  quitting  Brighton,  Elizabeth  Fry  passed  about  two 
months  at  Dagenham,  a  secluded  village  on  the  banks  of  the 
Thames.  The  rest  and  retirement  were  very  beneficial  to 
her  health,  and  she  greatly  enjoyed  the  fine  air  and  beautiful 
scenery  that  surrounded  her.  Few  persons  have  evinced  a 
higher  relish  for  the  varied  productions  of  nature,  or  for  the' 
quietness  of  a  country  life,  than  she  did.  During  her  stay 
there,  she  writes  : — 

Dagenham,  Seventh  Month,  30fA. — We  left  Brighton  last 
Sixth-day,  the  23rd,  and  after  what  I  passed  through  in 
suffering,  and  afterwards  in  doing,  in  various  ways,  I  may 
acknowledge  that  I  have  no  adequate  expression  to  convey 
the  gratitude  due  to  my  merciful  and  gracious  Lord.  I  left 
it,  after  a  stay  of  nearly  ten  weeks,  with  a  comparatively 
healthy  body,  and  above  all  a  remarkably  clear  and  easy 
mind ;  with  a  portion  of  that  overflowing  peace,  that  made 
all  things,  natural  and  spiritual,  appear  sweet,  and  in  near 
love  and  unity,  not  only  with  Friends  there,  but  many,  many 
others.  I  felt  as  if,  although  an  unworthy  instrument,  my 
labours  there  had  not  been  in  vain  in  the  Lord,  whether  in 
suffering  or  in  doing.  It  has  not  been  without  a  good  deal 
of  anxiety,  fatigue,  and  discouragement,  that  this  state  of 
sweet  peace  has  been  attained  as  I  am  apt  to  suffer  so  much 
from  many  fears  and  doubts,  particularly  when  in  a  weak 
state  of  health.  The  District  Society,  in  which  I  "was  into- 


872  LIPB    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1824. 

rested,  I  left,  I  trust,  in  a  way  for  establishment ;  and  likely 
to  be  very  useful  to  the  poor  and  to  the  rich.  Also  an 
arrangement  to  supply  the  Blockade  men  on  the  coast  with 
Bibles  and  other  books :  and  I  hope  they  will  be  put  in  the 
way  of  reading  them,  instead  of  losing  their  time.  Some  of 
the  poor  Blockade  men  seemed  much  affected  by  the  attention 
paid  them,  as  also  did  their  officers ;  and  I  am  ready  to  hope 
that  a  little  seed  is  scattered  there.  In  Meetings,  I  passed 
through  much,  at  times  going  when  I  feared  I  should  faint 
from  weakness ;  but  I  found  that  help  was  laid  on  One  who 
is  Mighty,  and  I  may  indeed  say,  in  my  ministerial  services, 
that  out  of  weakness  I  was  made  strong.  The  Meetings  were 
generally  largely  attended  by  those  not  Friends,  of  course 
without  invitation,  but  I  trust  that  they  were  good  ones,  and 
that  we  were  edified  together.  This  was  through  deep  hu- 
miliation, and  many,  many  fears.  It  certainly  calls  for  great 
care  and  watchfulness  in  all  things  that  we  enter,  to  find  that 
they  be  not  of  ourselves,  but  of  our  Master,  whose  servants 
we  are  ;  for  He  alone  should  point  out  our  work.  The  end, 
in  an  uncommon  manner,  appeared  to  crown  all. 

2,6th. — I  returned  from  a  short  expedition  to  Brighton  last 
evening.  A  very  interesting,  and  I  trust  not  unimportant  one. 
My  object  was  the  District  Society  that  I  was  enabled  to  form 
there,  when  I  was  so  ill,  or  rather  recovering  from  that  state. 
Much  good  appears  done,  much  more  likely  to  be  done  ;  a 
fine  arrangement  made,  if  it  be  but  followed  up ;  and  I  hum- 
bly trust  that  a  blessing  will  attend  the  work,  and  has  already 
attended  it.  I  feel  that  I  have  not  time  to  relate  our  inte- 
resting history,  but  I  should  say  that  the  short  time  we  spent 
there  was  a  mark  of  the  features  of  the  present  day.  A  poor 
unworthy  woman,  nothing  extraordinary  in  point  of  power, 
simply  seeking  to  follow  a  crucified  Lord,  and  to  co-operate 
with  His  grace  in  the  heart ;  yet  followed  after  by  almost 
every  rank  in  society,  with  the  greatest  openness  for  any  com- 
munications of  a  religious  nature ;  numbers  at  Meeting  of 
different  denominations,  also  at  our  own  house,  noblemen, 


1825.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  373 

ladies  in  numbers,  clergy,  dissenters,  and  Friends.  We  had 
most  satisfactory  religious  opportunities  together,  where  the 
power  of  an  endless  life  appeared  to  be  in  great  dominion. 
Our  dear  Lord  and  Master  himself  appearing  remarkably  to 
own  us  together.  William  Allen  was  there,  a  great -helper ; 
we  were  at  dear  Agatha  and  Elizabeth  Barclay's,  whose  kind- 
ness, love,  and  sweetness,  were  abundant  towards  us.  Two 
of  my  daughters  were  with  me. 

Third  Month,  3rd,  1825. — I  hope  I  am  thankful  for  being 
really  better,  though  delicate  in  health.  I  wish  I  did  not  dread 
illness  so  much ;  it  is  a  real  infirmity  in  me ;  may  grace  be 
granted  to  overcome  it.  I  think,  strange  to  say,  I  felt,  and  I 
fear  appeared  to  those  about  me,  to  be  irritable.  Certainly, 
I  had  some  cause  to  be  so ;  but  after  what  I  have  known  of 
the  power  that  is  able  indeed,  to  help  us,  I  never  ought  to 
give  way  to  anything  of  the  kind  ;  all  should  be  meekness, 
gentleness,  and  love.  Perhaps  I  said  too  much  about  some 
pictures  and  various  ornaments  that  have  been  brought  from 
France  for  us  ;  much  as  I  love  true  Christian  simplicity,  yet 
if  I  show  a  wrong  spirit  in  my  desire  to  maintain  it  in  our 
house  and  furniture,  I  do  wrong  and  harm  the  best  of  causes. 
I  far  prefer  moderation,  both  from  principle  and  taste,  al- 
though my  experience  in  life  proves  two  things  ;  first,  that  it 
is  greatly  for  the  good  of  the  community,  to  live  according 
to  the  situation  in  which  we  have  been  placed  by  a  kind 
Providence,  if  it  be  done  unto  the  Lord,  and  therefore  done 
properly ;  then,  I  believe  that  by  so  doing  we  should  help 
others,  and  not  injure  ourselves.  Second,  I  have  so  much 
seen  the  extreme  importance  of  occupation,  to  the  well-being 
of  mankind,  that  many  works  of  art,  that  tend  to  our  accom- 
modation, and  even  the  gratification  of  our  taste,  may  bo 
innocently  partaken  of,  may  be  used  and  not  abused,  and 
kept  in  their  proper  places ;  as  by  so  doing,  we  encourage 
that  sort  of  employment  that  prevents  the  active  powers  of 
man  from  being  spent  in  things  that  arc  evil. 


874  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FEY.  [1825. 

In  reference  to  the  foregoing  paragraph,  and  others  in  this 
volume  that  allude  to  some  feeling  of  irritability  of  temper, 
her  daughters  bear  the  following  testimony : — 

"  The  contrition  so  frequently  expressed  in  the  course  of 
Mrs.  Fry's  journal,  for  irritability  of  temper,  is  calculated  to 
mislead  a  stranger,  who  would  naturally  suppose  that  it  must 
occasionally  have  betrayed  itself  in  conduct.  To  those  who 
intimately  knew  the  never-failing  gentleness,  forbearance,  and 
Christian  meekness  of  her  deportment,  that  such  feelings  ever 
ruffled  her  mind,  is  almost  inexplicable.  Those  most  closely 
connected  with  her,  in  the  nearest  and  most  familiar  relations 
of  life,  can  unhesitatingly  bear  their  testimony  to  the  fact, 
that  they  never  saw  her  in  what  is  called  a  pet,  or  heard  an 
angry,  or  passionate  expression  of  displeasure,  pass  from  her 
lips.  Her  tender  conscience,  and  fear  of  offence  towards  God 
and  man,  can  alone  account  for  these  outpourings  of  the  hid- 
den evils  of  her  heart." 

Yet  surely  they  can  scarcely  be  termed  evils.  Sin  does 
not  consist  in  being  tempted.  The  Apostle  says,  "  Blessed 
is  the  man  who  endureth  temptation,  for  when  he  is  tried  he 
shall  receive  a  crown  of  life."  There  is  abundant  evidence 
that,  if  a  temptation  to  any  feeling  of  irritability  of  temper 
ever  presented  itself  to  the  mind  of  this  meek  servant  of 
Christ,  it  was  resisted  and  overcome,  through  His  grace. 
Her  husband  has  recently  given  to  the  Compiler  a  full  assu- 
rance of  this,  in  the  following  words  : — "  I  never  knew  her 
do  an  act,  and  never  heard  her  utter  a  word,  that,  in  her 
most  solemn  moments,  she  could  have  wished  to  recall." 

Plashet,  Fourth  Month,  6th. — The  delightful  weather  and 
season  ;  the  innumerable  beauties  of  nature,  now  showing 
themselves,  have,  I  may  say,  refreshed  my  soul,  and  led  it 
to  "look  through  Nature,  up  to  Nature's  God."  To  my 
mind  the  outward  works  of  creation  are  delightful,  instruc- 
tive, and  edifying.  I  am,  I  hope,  thankful  for  so  much 
capacity  to  admire  and  rejoice  in  them.  How  important  to 


1825.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  375 

cultivate  this  taste  in  youth  !  It  is  an  aivantage  through 
life,  in  many  ways. 

Plashet,  Fourth  Month,  21s£. — My  occupations  are  just 
now  multitudinous.  The  British  Society,  and  all  that  is 
attached  te  it,  Newgate  as  usual.  Forming  with  much  fear, 
and  some  misgivings,  a  Servant's  Society,  yet  with  a  hope, 
and  something  of  a  trust,  that  it  will  be  for  the  good  of  this 
class  of  persons  for  generations  to  come.  I  have  felt  so 
much  for  such,  for  so  many  years,  that  I  am  willing  to 
sacrifice  some  strength  and  time  for  their  sakes.  It  is, 
however,  with  real  fear  that  I  do  it,  because  I  am  sensible 
of  being,  at  times,  pressed  beyond  my  strength  of  body 
and  mind.  But  the  day  is  short,  and  I  know  not  how  to 
reject  the  work  that  comes  to  hand  to  do. 

Plashet,  25/7i. — I  have  had  some  true  encouragement  in 
my  objects  since  I  last  wrote.  The  British  Society  Meeting 
was  got  through  to  much  satisfaction.  To  myself,  (the  poor, 
humble  instrument  amongst  women  in  this  country,)  it  is 
really  wonderful  what  has  been  accomplished  in  the  prisons 
during  the  last  few  years.  How  the  cause  has  spread,  and 
what  good  has  been  done,  how  much  evil  prevented,  how 
much  sorrow  alleviated,  how  many  plucked  like  brands  from 
the  burning  ;  what  a  cause  for  deep  thanksgiving,  and  still 
deeper  humiliation,  to  have  been,  in  any  degree,  one  of  the 
instruments  made  use  of  to  bring  about  these  results.  I  have 
also  received  a  delightful  account  of  the  effects  of  my  labours 
for  the  poop  at  Brighton  ;  it  appears  that  the  arrangements 
made,  have  greatly  prospered  amongst  both  rich  and  poor ; 
also  for  the  blockade  men  on  the  coast.  This  is  cause  for 
fresh  thankfulness  of  heart.  I  may  say,  that  I  there  sowed 
in  tears,  and  I  now  reap  in  joy. 

The  Servants'  Society  appears  gradually  opening,  as  if  it 
would  be  established  according  to  my  desire.  No  one  knows 
what  I  go  through  in  forming  these  Institutions, — it  is 
always  in  fear. 

Fifth  Month,  23rd. — I  think  that  I  am  under  the  deepest 


878  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1825. 

exercise  of  mind  that  I  ever  experienced,  in  the  prospect  of 
a  Meeting  to  be  held  this  evening,  for  all  the  young  people 
assembled  at  the  Yearly  Meeting.  It  is  held  at  my  request, 
my  brother  Joseph  uniting  in  it.  In  a  remarkable  degree  it 
has  plunged  me  into  the  depths,  into  real  distress  ;  I  feel  so 
unfit,  so  unworthy,  so  perplexed,  so  fearful,  even  so  sorrow- 
ful, so  tempted  to  mistrustful  thoughts,  ready  to  say,  "  Can 
such  an  one  be  called  to  such  a  service  ?"  I  do  believe  that 
"this  is  my  infirmity ;"  and  I. have  a  humble  hope  and  con- 
fidence, that  out  of  this  great  weakness  I  shall  be  made 
strong.  As  far  as  I  know  it  has  been  in  simple  obedience 
to  manifested  duty,  that  I  gave  up  to  this  service,  and  went 
through  the  ordeal  of  the  Yearly  Meeting.  If  I  know  my  own 
deceitful  heart,  it  has  been  done  in  love  to  my  Lord  and  to  His 
cause.  Lord,  preserve  me  through  this  depth ;  through  this 
stripping  season !  If  it  should  please  Thee  to  grant  me  the 
garments  of  Thy  salvation,  and  the  help  of  Thy  Spirit, 
further  enable  me  wholly  to  give  unto  Thee  the  glory,  which 
is  due  unto  Thy  name.  If  thou  makest  use  of  Thy  hand- 
maid to  speak  in  Thy  name,  be  Thou  Thyself  her  help  and 
her  strength,  her  glory,  and  the  lifter  up  of  her  head.  En- 
able her  to  rely  on  Thee,  on  Thy  might,  and  on  Thy  mercy ; 
to  commit  her  whole  cause  unto  Thee,  and  keep  in  the 
remembrance  of  Thy  handmaid,  that  the  blessed  cause  of 
truth  and  righteousness  is  not  Aer's,  but  Thine. 

Plashet,  Sixth  Month,  2nd — The  awful  and  buffetted  state 
of  my  mind  was,  in  degree,  calmed  as  the  day  advanced.  I 
went  to  town  with  my  beloved  brother  Joseph,  who  appeared 
to  have  been  in  something  of  a  similar  depth  of  unusual 
suffering — we  went  into  the  Meeting  together;  the  largo 
Meeting-house  was  soon  so  crowded,  that  no  more  could  get 
in  ;  I  suppose  from  eighteen  hundred  to  two  thousand  per- 
sons, principally  youth.  All  my  children  were  there,  except 
little  Harry.  I  heard  hundreds  went  away  who  could  not 
get  in.  After  going  in  and  taking  my  seat,  my  mind  was 
soon  calmed,  and  the  fear  of  man  greatly,  if  not  quite,  taken 


1825.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  377 

away.  My  beloved  brother  Joseph,  bowed  the  knee,  and 
poured  forth  prayer  for  us.  I  soon  after  rose  and  expressed 
what  was  on  my  mind,  towards  the  assembly :  First,  that  all 
were  acceptable  who  worked  righteousness  and  served  the 
Lord.  Secondly,  that  the  mercies  of  our  God  should  induce 
this  service,  as  a  debt  due  to  him.  Thirdly,  that  it  must  be 
done  by  following  a  crucified  Lord,  and  faithfully  taking  up 
the  cross.  Fourthly,  how  important,  therefore,  to  the  church 
generally,  and  to  our  religious  Society,  for  us  so  to  do  indi- 
vidually, and  collectively ;  so  that  if  this  were  done,  there 
would  be,  from  amongst  that  company,  those  who  would  be 
as  lights  to  the  world,  or  as  a  city  set  on  a  hill  that  cannot  be 
hid  ;  I  had  to  conclude  with  a  desire  that  an  entrance  might 
be  abundantly  ministered  unto  them,  into  the  everlasting 
kingdom  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ.  I  then  sat 
down,  but  did  not  feel  to  have  fully  relieved  my  mind.  Jo- 
seph rose,  and  stood  more  than  an  hour ;  he  preached  a  very 
instructive  and  striking  sermon  on  faith  and  doctrine.  Then, 
my  dear  sister  Elizabeth  Fry,  and  my  uncle  Joseph,  said 
something.  Afterwards,  I  knelt  down  in  prayer,  and  thought 
I  found  no  common  access  to  the  Fountain  of  all  our  sure 
mercies ;  I  was  enabled  to  cast  my  burden  for  the  youth,  and 
my  own  beloved  offspring  amongst  the  rest,  upon  Him  who 
is  mighty  to  save  and  to  deliver.  I  had  to  ask  for  a  blessing 
upon  our  labours  of  love  towards  them,  and  that  our  defici- 
encies might  be  made  up  ;  that  the  blessing  of  the  Most  High 
might  rest  upon  them,  from  generation  to  generation,  and  that 
cross-bearers  and  standard-bearers,  might  not  be  wanting  from 
amongst  them.  I  felt  helped  in  every  way,  the  very  spirit 
and  power  appeared  near,  and  when  I  rose  from  my  knees, 
I  could  in  faith  leave  it  all  to  Him,  who  can  alone  prosper 
His  own  work.  A  few  hints  that  impressed  me  I  afterwards 
expressed,  which  were  to  encourage  the  youth  in  the  good 
works  of  the  present  day  ;  but  to  entreat  them,  when  engaged 
in  them,  to  maintain  the  watch,  lest  they  should  build  up 
with  one  hand,  and  pull  down  with  the  other.  Secondly, 


378  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1825. 

that  it  was  never  too  soon  to  begin  to  serve  the  Lord,  and 
that  there  was  nothing  too  small  to  please  Him  in.  Then, 
commending  them  to  His  grace,  and  bidding  them  farewell, 
the  Meeting  concluded  in  a  very  solemn  manner  ;  it  lasted 
about  two  hours  and  a  half,  and  general  satisfaction  appears 
to  have  been  felt.  When  it  was  over,  I  may  say  we  rejoiced 
together,  I  hope,  in  the  Lord  ;  so  that  my  soul  did  magnify 
the  Lord,  and  my  spirit  rejoiced  in  God  my  Saviour. 

Plashet',  6th.  —  The  death  of  my  dear  aunt  Gurney,  obliges 
me  to  go  into  Norfolk  ;  I  therefore  set  off  to  day,  accompa- 
nied by  my  sister  Elizabeth.  I  propose  also  attending  the 
Essex  Quarterly  meeting  in  going,  and  the  Suffolk  in  return- 
ing. It  has  been  a  sacrifice  giving  up  to  go,  but  I  desire  to 
do  it  in  simplicity  of  faith,  as  unto  my  Lord  ;  trusting  that 
it  will  prove  for  edification  and  refreshment. 

EXTRACT  FROM  A  LETTER  TO  HER  FAMILY  AT  HOME. 


,  Sixth  Month,  llth,  1825. 
I  wonder  almost  that  I  have  not  written  to  you  before,  but 
my  engagements  have  been,  I  think  I  may  say,  hourly  and 
constant.  On  Fifth-day,  the  funeral,  and  yesterday,  Nor- 
wich Monthly  Meeting  ;  we  dined  at  the  Grove.  I  have  felt 
a  good  deal  in  this  visit.  The  changes  that  take  place  in 
these  parts  are  very  affecting.  I  paid  a  quiet  visit  to  the 
grave-yard  the  other  morning,  and  there  sat,  first  upon  my 
mother's,  then  my  father's,  then  Priscilla's,  and  John's 
graves  ;  and,  as  you  may  suppose,  wept  at  their  sweet  re- 
membrance. I  could  not  but  meditate  upon  the  probability 
of  all  our  heads  being,  before  very  long,  placed  under  the 
"  green  grass  turf."  These  were  my  cogitations,  and  I  trust 
not  without  some  of  a  higher  nature  ;  it  is  a  fearful  thing 
not  to  be  ready,  for  the  change  may  come  very  unawares  ; 
but  I  may  say,  as  it  respects  my  own,  I  have  felt  an  increas- 
ing hope  that  "  all  will  be  well." 

Plashet,  18th.  —  I  am  returned    home  after  attending  my 
dear  aunt's  funeral,  and  two  Quarterly  Meetings.     I  paid  a 


1825.]  LIFE   OP   ELIZABETH   FRY.  379 

very  interesting  visit  to  Earlham.  I  have  passed  through 
much  deep  feeling,  and  been,  in  various  ways,  much  engaged 
as  a  minister,  of  which  service  I  am  wonderfully  unworthy  ; 
but,  out  of  weakness,  I  often  experience  help  and  strength, 
to  my  own  admiration. 

Since  I  returned  home,  a  great  press  of  company  every 
day,  Lord  Bexley  and  Sophia  Vansittart,  Lord  Suffield,  Lord 
and  Lady  Torrington,  and  many  others.  Lord,  grant  a  little 
help,  quiet  and  enlighten  my  heart,  that  I  may  see  what  to 
do,  and  what  to  leave  undone,  and  that  which  I  find  to  do, 
enable  me  to  perform  in  simplicity  of  faith,  unto  Thyself, 
and  Thy  glory  ;  and,  Lord,  be  pleased  to  keep  Thy  very 
frail  and  unworthy  servant,  on  the  right  hand,  and  on  the 
left,  that  evil  overcome  her  not. 

A  storm  prevailed  in  the  commercial  world,  during  the 
latter  part  of  1825,  it  subsided  as  1826  advanced  ;  but  it  did 
not  pass  away  without  leaving  fearful  traces  of  its  course. 
Many  mercantile  houses  were  entirely  overthrown ;  whilst 
others  were  so  shaken,  as  never  to  recover  the  shock.  These 
things  made  it  a  very  anxious  time  to  Elizabeth  Fry,  and 
called  forth  much  of  her  sympathy  towards  the  sufferers.  In 
reflecting  on  this  event,  she  wrote — 

The  principle  of  justice  cannot  be  too  deeply  impressed 
upon  the  youthful  mind,  also,  the  great  uprightness  in  all 
money  transactions.  How  do  I  desire  for  myself  that,  how- 
ever it  may  be  my  duty  to  be  occupied  about  temporal 
things,  my  treasure  be  not  in  them,  but  that  my  heart  and 
soul  may  be  raised  above  them.  This  morning,  I  think  I 
have  had  a  glimpse  of  those  possessions  that  cannot  be  shaken 
by  the  ups  and  downs  of  life. 

In  reply  to  a  slight  request,  about  that  time  addressed  by 
Elizabeth  Fry  to  Hannah  More,  she  received  this  kind 
reply : — 


380  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1825 

"  My  dear  Friend, 

'•  Any  request  of  yours,  if  within  my  very  limited  power,  cannot 
fail  to  be  immediately  complied  with.  In  your  kind  note,  I  wish 
you  had  mentioned  something  of  your  own  health,  and  that  of  your 
family. 

"I  look  back  with  no  small  pleasure  to  the  too  short  visit  with 
which  you  once  indulged  me,  a  repetition  of  it  would  be  no  little 
gratification  to  me.  Whether  Divine  Providence  may  grant  it  or, 
not,  I  trust  through  Him  who  loved  us,  and  gave  himself  for  us, 
that  we  may  hereafter  meet  in  that  blessed  country,  where  there  is 
neither  sin,  sorrow,  nor  separation. 

"  Believe  me,  my  dear  friend,  with  true  esteem  and  warm  affec- 
tion to  remain  your's  sincerely. 

"  H.  MOEE. 

"  Barley  Wood,  15th  of  April." 

Elizabeth  Fry  entertained  a  high  appreciation  of  the  cha- 
racter of  Hannah  More,  and  of  the  benefits  which  she  had 
conferred  upon  her  contemporaries,  especially  upon  her  coun- 
try-women. She  always  referred  with  great  pleasure  to  her 
visit  to  Barley  Wood,  and  the  impression  made  upon  her  by 
the  mingled  sweetness  and  dignity  of  Hannah  More's  coun- 
tenance and  manner. 

In  a  copy  of  her  "  Practical  Piety,"  given  by  Hannah 
More  to  Elizabeth  Fry,  is  this  inscription : 

TO  MRS.  FRY. 
Presented  by  HANNAH  MORE, 
As  a  token  of  veneration, 
Of  her  heroic  zeal, 
Christian  charity, 
And  persevering  kindness, 
To  the  moat  forlorn 
Of  human  beings. 
They  were  naked  and  she 

Clothed  them ; 

In  prison  and  she  visited  them  ; 
Ignorant  and  she  taught  them, 

For  His  sake, 
In  His  name,  and  by  His  word, 

Who  went  about  doing  good. 
Barley  Wood,  June  \ltJi.  1818. 


1825.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  381 

Dagenham,  Eighth  Month,  lOtfi. — On  Fifth-day,  the  4th 
of  this  month,  my  dear  eldest  son  was  married.  Upon  the 
previous  evening,  with  a  few  of  the  family  present,  I  was 
enabled  to  cpmmend  him  to  his  God,  for  direction,  and 
for  protection ;  it  was  a  very  serious  time.  The  next  morn- 
ing, we  all,  in  our  wedding  garments,  proceeded  to  London  ; 
my  beloved  husband  and  myself  alone  in  the  chariot,  deeply 
feeling  the  weight  of  the  occasion.  Upon  our  arrival  at  the 
Meeting  House,  in  Westminster,  we  found  the  party  gene- 
rally assembled.  Soon  after  our  sitting  down  in  the  Meeting, 
there  was  that  which  quieted  our  spirits,  and  said,  "  Peace, 
be  still."  We  sat  more  than  half  an  hour,  when  dear 
Rebecca  Christy  knelt  down,  and,  in  a  powerful  manner, 
prayed  for  the  young  people,  that  a  blessing  might  be  with 
them  ;  above  all,  a  spiritual  blessing ;  my  heart  went  with 
her,  and  I  poured  forth  my  tears  before  the  Lord  on  their 
account ;  there  was  a  very  solemn  feeling  over  us,  a  little  as 
if  the  Master  owned  the  wedding  company  by  His  presence. 
I  had  to  offer  fervent  petitions  for  their  good,  naturally  and 
spiritually,  and  for  grace  for  them  to  keep  their  solemn  cove- 
nant with  each  other,  and  to  make  fresh  Covenant  with  their 
Lord.  We  had  an  elegant  and  hospitable  entertainment 
afterwards ;  my  dear  uncle  Barclay  was  there ;  he  is  grand- 
father to  the  bride,  and  great  uncle  to  the  bridegroom. 

A  period  of  rest  and  refreshment  at  Dagenham  was  pre- 
paratory to  fresh  exertion.  Elizabeth  Fry  again  believed  it 
her  duty  to  leave  home,  and  travel  into  Devonshire  and  Corn- 
wall, accompanied  by  her  sister-in-law,  Elizabeth  Fry. 

Dagenham,  21st. — Yesterday,  we  laid  our  concern  before 
our  Monthly  Meeting.  I  believe  we  had  the  sympathy, 
unity,  and  near  love  of  our  Friends,  which  was  really  encou- 
raging and  comforting.  How  truly  do  the  living  members 
of  the  militant  church  help  one  another ;  surely  it  is  well, 
now  and  then,  to  have  their  feeling  for  each  other  excited. 


382  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1825. 

I  was  enabled  in  the  Meeting,  to  commend  those  who  go, 
and  those  who  stay,  to  the  keeping  of  the  unslumbering 
Shepherd,  and  found  near  access  to  Him  in  prayer,  being 
strengthened  to  cast  my  care  upon  Him  on  whom  help  is  laid. 
I  have  felt  happier  since. 

On  arriving  at  Kingsbridge,  Elizabeth  Fry  believed  it 
right  to  appoint  a  Meeting ;  she  says — 

It  has  cost  me  a  good  deal  to  give  up  to  it ;  but  I  am  more 
comfortable  since  I  have  done  so ;  although  I  feel  very  unfit 
for  such  services.  Ah  !  dearest  Lord,  anoint  us  with  fresh 
oil  for  this  service,  that  it  may  tend  to  the  exaltation  of  Thy 
name,  and  the  unity,  edification,  comfort  and  strength  of  Thy 
people  of  every  denomination. 

Plymouth,  Tenth  Month,  1st. — I  trust  that  I  am  thankful 
to  be  able  to  say  that  the  Meeting  (at  Kingsbridge)  was  very 
satisfactory,  and  to  my  feelings,  brought  almost  unspeakable 
peace.  I  thought  we  were  favoured,  in  a  remarkable  man- 
ner, to  feel  sweet  unity  of  spirit,  with  those  present,  of  various 
descriptions,  and  we  might  say,  like  the  disciples  formerly, 
"  Did  not  our  hearts  burn  within  us  as  He  talked  with  us  by 
the  way?"  At  first,  deep  poverty  of  spirit,  with  many  fears 
on  my  own  account  beset  me,  but  as  the  Meeting  advanced, 
power  increased,  these  were  allayed,  and  we  might  rejoice 
in.  the  feeling,  that  the  Lord  God  Omnipotent  reigneth,  God 
over  all,  blessed  for  ever. 

Liskeard,  8th. — Another  week  is  now  past,  and  much  has 
been  gone  through.  At  Plymouth,  we  attended  several 
Meetings ;  but  one  was  important  to  me  ;  it  was  one  that  I 
had  appointed  at  Devonport.  I  first  felt  the  concern  when 
a  girl  travelling  with  my  father,  I  then  believed  that,  if  ever 
I  became  a  minister,  I  must  hold  a  Meeting  there  ;*  and  the 
time  now  appeared  come  for  it.  My  attraction  was  to  the 

*  The  concern  on  behalf  of  the  people  at  Devonport,  was  first  im- 
pressed on  her  mind,  in  the  summer  of  1798, 


1825.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PET.  383 

lowest  and  worst  classes.  It  was  indeed  an  act  of  faith ;  I 
have  a  feeling  of  unfitness  and  unworthiness  for  such  ser- 
vices beyond  what  I  can  express.  The  day  passed  tolerably, 
I  attended  two  regular  Meetings,  but,  as  the  time  for  this 
Meeting  drew  near,  my  heart  was  ready  to  fail ;  fears  got 
hold  of  me,  and  almost  had  dominion  over  me.  On  entering 
the  assembly,  I  hardly  dared  to  look  up,  when  I  did,  I 
thought  there  must  be  fifteen  hundred  people  present,  mostly 
poor ;  I  may  I  think  say,  it  was,  before  it  ended,  a  glorious 
time  ;  much  solemnity  prevailed  amongst  us,  the  power  of 
the  great  and  good  Spirit  appearing  to  reign  over  all.  I 
cannot  help  humbly  trusting  that  the  fruit  will  remain.  We 
had  an  interesting  Meeting  with  the  youth,  and  another  the 
next  morning  at  a  wedding  ;  we  were  much  united  to  many 
dear  friends.  We  have  since  visited  three  Meetings  in 
Cornwall.  The  beautiful  country  delights  me,  when  my 
mind  is  at  liberty. 

Sixth  Month,  3re/,  1826. — Our  Yearly  Meeting  concluded 
yesterday.  I  can  hardly  express  the  sweetness  of  the  re- 
membrance of  the  time.  We  have,  at  seasons,  I  may  truly 
say,  rejoiced  together  in  the  Lord,  and  partaken  of  that, 
which  as  evidently  comforts  and  delights  the  soul,  as  out- 
ward refreshment  does  the  body,  when  hungry,  thirsty,  and 
faint.  I  have  been  really  refreshed  in  spirit. 

Flaahet,  Sixth  Month  y  2-ith. — (First  day  morning.} — The 
commencement  of  this  day  always  feels  weighty  to  me ;  an- 
other week  begun,  the  awful  and  responsible  situation  of  a 
minister  of  the  gospel  in  the  services  of  the  day,  at  home 
and  at  Meeting;  all  weighs  upon  »e.  Grant,  0  Lord!  I 
pray  Thee,  a  little  help,  that  whatever  Thy  unworthy  ser- 
vant does,  in  word  or  in  deed,  may  be  done,  as  in  the  name, 
so  through  the  power,  of  Christ  her  Saviour.  Bless  this 
day,  I  pray  Thee,  0  Lord !  not  only  to  our  house  and  fam- 
ily and  to  our  religious  body,  but  to  thousands  and  tens  of 
thousands  ;  that  however  outwardly  separated,  Thy  servants 


884  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1826. 

may  unite  in  magnifying  Thy  name,  and  that  their  spirits 
may  rejoice  in  Christ  their  Saviour. 

Dagenham,  Seventh  Month,  24th. — Yesterday  was  so  very 
wet  and  windy,  that  we  spent  a  quiet  First-day  here.  Seri- 
ous as  it  is,  not  to  attend  our  places  of  worship,  yet  it  is  not 
without  its  advantages,  to  find,  that  the  same  worship  can 
be  performed  in  private  as  in  the  public  assembly  ;  and  that 
it  is  not  the  place,  or  the  people,  but  (if  in  a  right  spirit)  an 
acceptable  worship  may  be  offered  every  where.  All  our 
family  assembled  twice  in  the  day,  I  think  to  real  edifica- 
tion, so  that  it  proved  neither  dull  nor  unpleasant,  though 
we  were  all  shut  up,  for  a  long  day,  in  this  little  house. 

The  return  of  the  season  had  brought  with  it  the  interest 
of  tjie  annual  transportation  of  female  convicts.  During 
this  year,  five  ships  had  been  employed  for  that  purpose.  A 
young  lady — the  daughter  of  an  Admiral — has  often  recur- 
red to  a  farewell  visit  to  a  female  convict-ship,  on  the  point 
of  sailing,  in  which  she  accompanied  Elizabeth  Fry.  In  allu- 
sion to  this  visit,  she  says  : — 

"  I  could  scarcely  look  upon  her  as  any  other  than  an  angel  ot 
mercy,  calmly  passing  from  one  to  another  of  the  poor  wretched 
beings  around  her,  with  the  word  of  counsel,  comfort,  or  reproof, 
that  seemed  suited  to  each  individual  case,  as  it  presented  itself  to 
her  notice.  With  several  kind  assistants,  she  was  arranging  work 
for  them  during  the  voyage ;  in  itself  no  trifling  matter.  But  many 
a  point  of  deepest  interest  and  anxiety,  brought  to  her  ready  car, 
met  with  such  response  as  could  only  be  looked  for  from  a  devoted 
follower  of  Him,  who  '  went  about  doing  good. '  ; 

On  the  mind  of  this  young  person  the  circumstances  was 
strongly  impressed,  of  accompanying  her  father,  on  another 
occasion,  to  the  female  convict-ships,  lying  off  Woolwich,  to 
meet  William  Wilberforce  and  Elizabeth  Fry. 

"  On  board  one  of  them,  between  two  and  three  hundred  women 
were  assembled,  in  order  to  listen  to  the  exhortation  and  prayers  of, 


1826.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  385 

perhaps,  the  two  brightest  personifications  of  Christian  philanthropy 
that  the  age  could  boast.  Scarcely  could  two  voices,  even  so  distin- 
guished for  beauty  afcd  power,  be  imagined  united  in  a  more  touching 
engagement — as  indeed  was  testified  by  the  breathless  attention,  the 
tears,  and  the  suppressed  sobs,  of  the  gathered  listeners.  All  of 
man's  word,  however  there  heard,  heartrstirring  as  it  was  at  that 
time,  has  faded  from  my  memory ;  but  no  lapse  of  time  can  ever 
efface  the  impression  of  the  107th  Psalm,  as  read  by  Mrs.  Fry,  with 
such  extraordinary  emphasis  and  intonation,  that  it  seemed  to  make 
the  simple  reading  a  commentary ;  and,  as  she  passed  on  from  pas- 
sage to  passage,  struck  my  youthful  mind,  as  if  the  whole  series  of 
allusions  might  have  been  written  by  the  pen  of  inspiration,  in  view 
of  such  a  scene  as  was  then  before  us.  At  an  interval  of  twenty 
years,  it  is  recalled  to  me  as  often  as  that  Psalm  is  brought  to  my 
notice. — Never,  in  this  world,  can  it  be  known  to  how  many  hearts 
its  solemn  appeals  were,  that  day,  carried  home,  by  that  potent 
voice." 

Elizabeth  Fry  believed  herself  called  to  visit  Friends  in 
Ireland,  and  to  attend  to  some  other  duties  of  a  more  public 
character.  She  was  accompanied  by  her  brother  J.  J.  Gur- 
ney,  and  her  sister  E.  Fry. 

Twelfth  Month,  27^.— Last  Third-day  week,  I  believed 
it  my  duty  to  lay  my  concern  to  visit  Ireland,  before  my 
Monthly  Meeting ;  at  the  close  of  the  Meeting  for  worship 
We  told  our  dear  friends  what  we  had  in  view,  and,  feeling 
the  great  weight  of  leaving  my  family,  made  me  doubt  a 
little,  whether  Friends  could  unite  in  my  going ;  but  for  all 
these  things,  I  think  I  hardly  erer  felt  a  more  solemn  cover- 
ing over  a  Meeting,  both  before  and  after  we  spoke ;  and  a 
very  unusual  number  expressed  their  sympathy,  unity,  and 
desire  to  encourage  us ;  not  only  the  elders  and  ministers, 
but  the  very  babes  in  Christ.  There  was  testimony  upon 
testimony.  I  felt  uncommon  peace  and  relief  afterwards,  as 
if  the  thing  was  right ;  many  expressed  a  belief  that  the 
Lord  would  be  with  us,  and  preserve  us,  that  He  would  bo 
49 


380*  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FKT.  [1826. 

our  shield  and  exceeding  great  reward,  that  He  would  go  be- 
fore us,  and  be  our  rear-guard. 

Dear  W.  Allen  believed  "  that  those  who  stayed  by  the 
stuff  would  partake  of  the  spoil."  I  never  remember  feel- 
ing the  blessing  of  Christian  love,  and  unity  of  spirit,  more 
than  at  this  time,  and  how  truly  the  members  of  the  Christian 
Church  "  bear  one  another's  burdens,  and  so  fulfil  the  law  of 
Christ." 

Yesterday,  we  laid  it  before  our  Quarterly  Meeting.  The 
certificate  having  been  signed  on  First-day,  to  my  rejoicing, 
by  all  those  who  I  thought  might  possibly  have  been  some- 
what against  it,  as  well  as  those  who  I  knew  heartily  united 
with  us.  I  had,  in  both  the  Men  and  Women's  Quarterly 
Meeting,  to  express  something,  particularly  to  the  youth, 
that,  notwithstanding  the  humiliations  and  deep  baptisms  at- 
tending it,  I  considered  it  an  honour  and  favour  that  I  was 
unworthy  of,  to  be  thus  made  use  of  in  my  Master's  service; 
for  I  could  in  deed  and  in  truth  testify,  that  there  are  no 
ways  like  His  ways,  no  service  like  His  service,  and  no  joys 
to  be  compared  to  the  joys  of  His  salvation.  I  also  addressed 
the  wives  and  mothers  amongst  us,  on  parting  from  our 
women  Friends  ;  asking  not  only  their  sympathy,  but  their 
prayers;  as  "the  prayers  of  the  righteous  availcth  much  :" 
and  not  only  for  me,  but  in  a  particular  manner  for  those 
who  stayed  behind.  To-day  my  mind  feels  lightened  and 
peaceful,  and  I  have  a  confirming  hope  that  this  calling  is  of 
the  Lord,  utterly  unworthy  as  I  know  I  am,  to  do  the  least 
thing  for  such  a  Master ;  as  for  the  outward  sacrifices  attend- 
ing this  step,  I  count  them  as  nothing,  if  J  may  but  humbly 
trust  that  my  most  gracious  Lord  and  Master  will,  through 
His  own  power,  and  His  own  mercy,  keep  those  who  stay, 
as  well  as  those  who  go,  near  to  Himself.  The  pain  of 
leaving  my  most  tenderly  beloved  family,  my  comfortable 
and  commodious  home,  with  my  delicate  bodily  frame,  is  a 
sacrifice  most  willingly  made  by  me,  if  those  left  do  not  suffer 
harm  by  it.  I  believe  I  must  go  in  faith,  nothing  doubting ; 


1827.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  387 

trusting  all  to  Him,  who  knows  the  deep,  earnest  petitions  of 
my  heart,  for  them  and  for  us,  and  who  can  work  with  or 
without  instrumentality. 

Extracts  from  her  own  letters,  furnish  not  merely  the  his- 
tory of  her  journey,  but  an  account  of  her  natural  fears,  and 
her  spiritual  consolations — the  difficulties  that  appeared  be- 
fore her,  and  the  power  by  which  she  was  enabled  to  sur- 
mount them. 

She  was  accompanied  as  far  as  Melksham  by  her  husband. 
Thence  she  proceeded  with  her  brother,  J.  J.  Gurney,  by 
Worcester,  Colebrook-dale,  &c.,  to  Holyhead ;  where,  joined 
by  her  sister,  Elizabeth  Fry,  they  sailed  for  Dublin.  There, 
a  great  variety  of  weighty  engagements  occupied  them 
closely.  They  inspected  several  asylums,  four  jails,  the 
Bridewell,  House  of  Industry,  also  a  Nunnery ;  formed 
Prison  Committees,  had  important  interviews  with  persons 
in  authority,  visited  many  Members  of  our  own  religious 
Society,  and  attended  several  large  Meetings  for  worship, 
some  of  them  peculiarly  favoured  ones. 

They  pursued  their  journey,  being  similarly  engaged  in 
many  places — particularly  in  Armagh,  and  Monaghan, — to 
Lisburn,  where  the  Quarterly  Meeting  was  held.  The  con- 
cluding Meeting  for  worship  was,  she  says,  "  one  of  the  most 
solemn  and  striking  I  ever  attended.  The  good  power  and 
anointing  distilled  as  the  dew  amongst  us,  to-  the  great  re- 
freshment, I  believe  of  all  present.  May  my  husband,  child- 
ren, brothers,  sisters,  and  all  near  and  dear  to  me,  partake 
of  this  joyous,  glorious,  full  salvation." 

The  travellers  visited  a  Moravian  settlement  near  Lough 
Neagh;  and  afterwards,  on  their  route,  tho  Giant's  Cause- 
way. Of  this  grand  specimen  of  the  operations  of  an  Al- 
mighty Hand,  designed  doubtless  to  be  viewed  by  intelligent 
beings,  in  the  spirit  of  adoration  and  reverent  awe  of  the 
Infinitely  Wise  and  Omnipotent  Creator,  Elizabeth  Fry  says, 
in  writing  to  her  children, — 


888  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1827. 

Walking  over  rocks,  and  at  the  edge  of  jliffs,  we  opened 
upon  this  wonderful  work  of  nature ;  like  an  unfinished  build- 
ing, formed  of  stones  fitted  into  each  other,  being  concave  and 
convex,  and  so  rising  in  pillars  of  different  heights,  some 
with  three  sides,  some  as  many  as  nine,  of  various  colours. 
I  am  glad  we  saw  it,  as  a  fresh  proof  of  the  wonderful  and 
various  works  of  God. 

After  visiting  many  other  places — being  closely  occupied 
at  all  the  principal  towns  in  the  same  round  of  services  as 
already  described — they  reached  Waterford  on  the  12th  of 
Fourth  Month.  But  the  great  fatigue  and  exposure  to  which 
they  had  been  subjected  had  caused  each  of  the  travellers  to 
become,  in  the  course  of  their  journey,  considerably  indis- 
posed ;  but  at  this  time  Elizabeth  Fry  was  seriously  ill,  and 
more  than  a  week's  careful  nursing  was  requisite  to  restore 
her  exhausted  frame. 

Her  brother  J.  J.  G.,  in  a  letter  to  a  sister,  remarked  on 
this  circumstance  ;  "  It  was  no  small  trial  of  faith  and  pa- 
tience to  be  detained  at  Waterford  day  after  day,  and  there 
was  a  considerable  flatness  in  it."  For  a  time  the  dear  in- 
valid had  much  fever,  and  it  excited  no  small  alarm  :  but  it 
proved  to  be  of  a  low  intermittent  character,  and  was  at 
length  subdued  by  quinine,  so  as  to  admit  of  their  proceed- 
ing on  the  19th  to  Clonmel,  where  the  Quarterly  Meeting 
convened  on  the  21st.  Elizabeth  Fry,  though  still  very  un- 
well, was  able  to  attend  some  of  the  Meetings  held  on  that 
occasion,  and  thence  to  go  forward  to  Dublin  to  the  Yearly 
Meeting. 

After  arriving  at  home,  she  writes — 

The  great  numbers  that  followed  us,  almost  wherever  we 
went,  was  one  of  those  things  that  I  believe  was  too  much 
for  me,  no  one  can  tell  but  those  who  have  been  brought  into 
similar  circumstances,  what  it  is  to  feel  as  I  did  at  such  times  ; 
often  weak  and  fagged  in  body,  exhausted  in  mind,  having 
things  of  importance  to  direct  my  attention  to,  and  not  less 


1827.]  LIFE    OP    BLIZABETH    FEY.  389 

than  a  multitude  around  me,  each  expecting  a  word,  or  some 
mark  of  attention.  For  instance,  on  one  occasion  a  General 
on  one  side,  a  Bishop  on  the  other,  and  perhaps  sixty  other 
persons,  all  expecting  something  from  me.  Visiting  Prisons, 
Lunatic  Asylums,  and  Infirmaries ;  each  institution  exciting 
feeling  and  requiring  judgment.  I  endeavoured  to  seek  for 
help  from  above,  and  for  a  quiet  mind,  and  my  desire  was, 
that  such  times  should  not  be  lost  upon  those  persona ;  they 
ended  frequently  in  religious  opportunities,  and  many  came, 
in  consequence,  to  our  Public  Meetings ;  however  these 
things  proved  too  much  for  me,  and  tired  me  more  than  any 
part  of  our  service. 

There  were  some,  I  believe,  who  feared  my  exaltation,  and 
if  they  judged  from  outward  appearances,  I  do  not  wonder 
at  it ;  but  a  deep  conviction  of  my  own  unworthiness  and 
infirmity  was  so  living  with  me,  that  these  things  appeared 
more  likely  to  cast  me  into  the  dust,  than  raise  me  up  on 
high.  We  went  on  thus,  from  place  to  place,  until  we 
reached  Waterford ;  we  had  visited  Limerick,  Cork,  and 
other  places.  I  felt  completely  sinking,  hardly  able  to  hold 
up  my  head,  and  by  degrees  became  seriously  ill.  Fever 
came  on  and  ran  very  high,  and  I  found  myself  in  one  of  my 
distressing,  faint  states ;  indeed  a  few  hours  were  most  con- 
flicting ;  I  never  remember  to  have  known  a  more  painful 
time  ;  tried  without,  distressed  within,  feeling  such  fears  lest 
my  being  thus  stopped  by  illness,  should  try  the  faith  of 
others,  and  lest  my  own  faith  should  fail.  My  pain  too  in 
being  from  home  was  great.  We  were  obliged  to  stop  all 
the  Meetings  that  we  had  appointed  for  days  to  come  ;  how- 
ever, much  as  I  suffered  for  a  short  time,  I  had  most  sweet 
peace  afterwards,  my  blessed  Saviour  arose  with  "healing  in 
hia  wings,"  delivered  me  from  my  fears,  poured  balm  into 
my  wounds,  and  granted  me  such  a  sense  of  having  obtained 
full  reconciliation  with  my  God,  as  I  can  hardly  describe. 
All  was  peace.  I  no  longer  hankered  after  home,  but  was 
able  to  commit  myself  and  those  nearest,  to  this  unslumber- 


390  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1827. 

ing,  all  merciful,  and  all  powerful  Shepherd.  By  degrees 
I  was  sufficiently  raised  up  to  attend  Meetings,  visit  some 
prisons,  and  see  many  persons,  and  we  concluded  our  general 
visit  to  Ireland,  to  my  relief,  peace,  and  satisfaction.  The 
Yearly  Meeting  crowned  all,  as  to  our  ministerial  services 
in  our  own  Society.  We  left  Waterford  on  the  llth  of  Fifth 
Month,  after  visiting  Wicklow  and  Wexford,  at  that  time 
remaining  at  Waterford  a  few  hours  only.  We  entered  the 
steam-packet,  slept  on  board,  and  left  the  harbour  about 
three  o'clock  in  the  morning. 

On  arriving  at  Plashet  she  writes — 

Although  far  from  well,  yet  able  to  enjoy  the  sight  of  my 
beloved  family  and  sweet  home.  I  find  things  going  on  to 
my  comfort  and  satisfaction ;  for  this  I  desire  to  be  humbly 
thankful. 

The  week  following  was  much  occupied  by  the  interests 
of  London  Yearly  Meeting. 

A  dispensation  of  most  afflictive  bereavement  was  now 
impending  over  the  family  circle,  in  the  decease  of  Rachel 
Gurney,  whose  health  had  long  been  gradually  declining. 
She  had  been,  for  some  weeks,  at  Brighton  ;  her  anxious 
relatives  having  cherished  the  hope  that  a  temporary  resi- 
dence there  might  recruit  her  enfeebled  frame.  At  that 
place  she  was  visited  by  Elizabeth  Fry,  to  whom  she  had, 
from  early  childhood,  been  united  in  the  tenderest  affection. 
The  depth  and  fidelity  of  Rachel  Gurney's  attachment  to 
her  sister  had,  in  truth,  been  "wonderful."  Self-sacrificing, 
considerate,  and  protecting — most  sensitively  alive  to  her 
interests,  her  cares,  and  her  joys ;  but  there  were  distresses 
approaching,  from  which  this  devoted  friend  and  sister  could 
not  have  shielded  her ;  and  the  mercy  was  apparent,  when 
little  more  than  a  year  had  passed  by,  of  Rachel  Gurney's 
having  been  taken  hence,  without  seeing  one,  so  greatly 
beloved,  borne  down  by  many  sorrows. 


1827.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  391 

Whilst  engaged  in  sedulously  attending  on  this  precious 
invalid,  the  following  entry  was  penned  by  Elizabeth  Fry. 

Brighton,  Seventh  Month,  2Qth. — When  I  arrived  here,  I 
found  my  beloved  sister  Rachel  exceedingly  ill,  with  a  fresh 
attack  of  illness,  and  no  sister  with  her ;  so  that  I  was  greatly 
needed,  and  much  as  I  had  feared,  that  seeing  this  beloved 
one  in  a  low  and  suffering  state,  would  be  almost  more  than 
I  could  support,  I  have  been  wonderfully  shielded,  and  I 
trust  enabled  to  be  a  real  help  and  comfort  to  her,  in  a  time 
of  deep  trouble.  This  I  feel  cause  for  humble  and  renewed 
thankfulness,  to  be  able,  however  feebly,  to  return  the  un- 
bounded kindness  of  one,  who  has  been  so  much  to  me. 
May  I  continue  strengthened  in  this  most  interesting  engage- 
ment, and  minister  to  the  spiritual  and  temporal  wants  of 
this  tenderly  beloved  sister. 

Plashet,  Eighth  Month,  2nd. — At  Brighton,  I  had  a  meet- 
ing with  the  members  of  the  District  Society,  which  was 
humbling  to  me,  as  such  exposures  always  are,  more  or  less, 
and  a  real  effort  of  duty  ;  but  I  desired  only  to  do  it  as  such, 
and  was  very  much  helped  to  keep  my  point,  and  go  steadily 
on  with  the  business,  to  my  satisfaction  and  I  trust  to  the 
benefit  of  the  institution  ;  which  appears  to  have  done  much 
good  to  the  poor  of  the  place.  Nothing  of  the  kind  appears 
to  me  to  effect  so  much,  as  forming  and  helping  these  public 
charities,  because  so  many  are  assisted  by  them.  I  under- 
stood that  this  Society  last  year  induced  the  poor  to  lay  by 
amongst  them,  about  £2000.  Numbers  of  the  distressed 
had  been  relieved,  and  visiting  the  poor  appears  to  have 
been  blessed,  both  to  the  visitors  and  the  visited.  I  also 
called  at  one  of  the  Blockade  Service  .stations,  and  found  that 
the  libraries  I  had  sent  to  the  Coast  Guard  Stations,  after  my 
illness,  three  years  ago,  continued  to  be  very  useful  to  the 
men  and  their  families.  Out  of  deep  distress,  I  formed  these 
institutions,  (if  I  may  so  call  them)  little  thinking  that  an 
illness  that  appeared  to  myself,  as  4f  it  would  almost  take 


802  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PUT.  [1827. 

away  all  my  powers,  should  be  the  means  of  producing  good 
to  so  many — surely  out  of  weakness  I'  was  made  strong. 
May  it  be  a  lesson  to  myself  and  others  to  bow  under  the 
Mighty  hand  of  God,  however  mysterious  His  dispensations 
may  be. 

I  was  enabled  to  attend  to  my  beloved  sister,  during  the 
remainder  of  her  stay  at  Brighton,  and  then  brought  her 
home  here  ;  she  left  us  for  Earlham,  on  Second-day,  the  30th. 

Whilst  on  her  journey  home,  Rachel  Gurney  wrote  to  her 
sister  Fry : — 

"  The  quiet  travelling  has  only  been  a  luxury ;  both  morning  and 
evening  have  been  delightful  to  me,  as  to  weather  and  scenery.  I 
have  felt  soothed  and  comforted,  more  than  anything  else.  I  am 
most  deeply  sensible  of  the  blessing  thou  hast  been  made  to  me ; 
I  think  it  seems  to  have  put  me  more  in  the  right  way  of  taking, 
bearing  and  feeling,  my  present  allotment;  above  all,  I  trust  it  has 
strengthened  me  in  my  best  desires;  and  endeavours  to  walk 
humbly  with  my  God  !" 

We  return  to  the  journal. 

Dagenham,  Eighth  Month,  15/A. — My  feelings  have  been 
much  excited,  by  the  very  serious  account  of  my  beloved 
sister  Rachel,  implying  a  sensible  decline  of  power  and  health, 
which  touches  me  in  a  most  tender  place.  I  may  say,  in  the 
prospect  of  losing  her,  that  I  shall  lose  the  person  that  has 
(taking  life  through)  been  more  to  me,  than  any  other  mortal, 
in  constant,  faithful  love,  and  kindness,  and  in  ministering 
to  all  my  wants,  according  to  her  ability.  Oh  !  gracious 
Lord  !  grant  her  a  full  reward  here,  and  above  all,  hereafter ; 
but,  I  desire  to  return  thanks  for  her  prepared  state  of  soul, 
(as  far  as  we  can  judge,  one  of  another),  and  the  many  alle- 
viations granted  her.  If  she  be  taken, — my  companion,  my 
friend,  near  my  own  age, — I  think  it  will  in  no  common 
degree,  bring  death  home  to  my  view,  and  may  it  lead  me 
to  have  my  heart  really  more  placed  on  things  above,  less  on 
things  below. 


1827.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  393 

In  reference  to  her  husband  and  children,  she  makes  the 
following  touching  remarks : 

22nd. — It  is  hard,  very  hard,  a  most  difficult  matter,  to 
know  how  to  help  those,  whose  welfare  and  salvation  are 
past  expression  near  to  us.  We  can  only  go  to  Him,  who  is 
willing  and  able,  not  only  to  hear  our  prayers  on  our  own 
account,  but  on  account  of  those  most  tenderly  beloved  ;  and 
who  does,  in  His  tender  mercy,  so  bear  our  griefs  and  carry 
our  sorrows,  that  our  souls  can  rest  on  Him.  Oh  !  may  I 
ever  have  the  encouragement  of  seeing  those  nearest  to  me 
walking  closely  with  God ;  not  doing  their  own  pleasure,  or 
walking  in  their  own  ways,  but  doing  His  pleasure  and 
walking  in  His  ways.  I  believe  it  would  bring  unspeakable 
joy,  refreshment,  and  consolation  to  my  soul;  and  may  I 
never  cease  to  commend  them  to  Him,  who  can  work  with  or 
without  human  instrumentality. 

I  went  on  Second-day  to  Lord  Lansdowne  (Secretary  of 
State)  and  the  Under-Secretary,  T.  Spring  Rice,  on  prison 
matters,  and  was  received  with  the  utmost  kindness  and  atten- 
tion. The  prison  cause  appears  prosperous.  On  Third-day, 
I  attended  the  Monthly  Meeting,  and,  much  in  the  cross,  with 
great  fear,  weakness,  and  nervousness,  I  was  enabled  to  minis- 
ter consolation  to  others.  Peace  and  refreshment  followed  to 
myself,  and  although  trials  have  since  attended  me,  I  feel  the 
sweet  balm  remain — that  balm  which  heals  the  wounded  heart. 

25th. — I  am,  at  times,  reminded  of  these  words  in  Job, 
chapter  xxxiv.,  29th  verse — "  When  he  giveth  quietness, 
who  then  can  make  trouble  ?  and  when  he  hideth  his  face, 
who  then  can  behold  him  ?  whether  it  be  done  against  a  na- 
tion, or  against  a  man  only  ?  " 

How  striking  a  proof  of  the  truth  of  the  Scriptures,  and 
that  of  which  they  testify,  is  the  way  in  which  they  speak  to 
our  individual  experience.  Oh,  may  I  dwell  nearer  to  the 
source  of  all  good,  and  live  in  a  more  devoted,  quiet,  humble, 
watchful,  dependent  and  resigned  spirit. 
50 


394  LIFE   OF   ELIZABETH   FRY.  [1827. 

JSarlham,  30th. — On  Seventh-day,  the  20th,  my  son  John 
came  with  an  express  from  town,  to  say  that  the  accounts 
from  Earlham  were  so  much  worse,  that  it  was  thought  desi- 
rable that  I  should  go  as  quickly  as  possible  to  Upton,  to  fix 
whether  to  set  off  that  day  or  not ;  this  agitated  me  and 
brought  me  very  low,  but  on  reading  the  different  letters,  and 
seeking  for  a  quiet  mind,  I  believed  that  there  was  no  such 
hurry,  and  concluded  to  wait  until  after  Meeting  on  First- 
day,  and  an  early  dinner  with  my  family,  before  setting  off. 
I  find  it  very  important  in  such  cases  as  these,  not  to  act  upon 
impetuous  feelings,  but  upon  quiet  and  sober  consideration ; 
hurried  movements  rarely  answer  to  ourselves  or  others. 

We  set  off,  and  were  favoured  with  a  quiet  journey,  and  a 
hopeful  one,  as  I  could  not  believe  that  we  should  find  any 
very  great  change  had  taken  place,  and  so  it  proved.  Our 
much-loved  invalid  was  certainly  sunk^  since  we  were  last 
together,  and  in  many  things  gone  some  steps  lower  ;  but 
there  appeared  to  me  so  strong  a  vital  principle  remaining, 
that  I  think  weeks,  rather  than  days,  are  likely  to  be  her 
portion  here  below.  Her  mind  is  in  a  most  favoured  state  ; 
she  appears  to  feel  it  wonderful  how  easy  her  circumstances 
are  made  to  her ;  her  fear  of  death  seems  to  be  removed  from 
her,  she  talks  of  it  with  ease,  almost  pleasure.  Last  night 
she  said,  that  she  wished  not  to  be  in  other  circumstances 
than  she  was,  the  way  in  which  she  had  found  the  fulness  of 
the  power  was  quite  beyond  her  expectation,  and  even  her 
trials  only  appeared  now  to  fit  her  for  greater  joys.  At  times 
her  sinkings  are  great  and  also  her  sufferings,  but  in  these 
states,  though  naturally  low,  faith  always  appears  more  than 
sufficient  to  sustain  her,  and  she  receives  them  only  as  a  part 
of  the  present  work  of  preparation.  She  said  they  led  her 
to  desire  to  depart ;  but  her  wish  was,  to  say  from  her  heart, 
"Not  my  will,  but  Thine  be  done." 

Surely,  this  is  a  fresh  proof  of  the  wonderful  work  and 
power  of  grace,  and  Christian  redemption — what  consolation 
it  brings !  and  how  much  we  see,  even  in  these  times  of  deep 


1C-7.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  395 

trial,  the  mercy  of  a  kind  Providence,  in  granting  so  many 
mitigations  and  alleviations.  Surely,  His  tender  mercies  are 
over  all  His  works. 

I-  think,  I  never  am  brought  into  contact  with  many  of  my 
beloved  brothers  and  sisters,  without  a  very  humbling  feeling 
of  my  own  infirmity,  and  short-comings  ;  I  find  them  such 
examples  to  me,  and  am  ready  to  say  within  my  heart — 
though  I  have  come  so  publicly  forward — though  I  have 
preached  righteousness  in  the  great  congregation,  what  will 
become  of  me,  and  of  my  house  ?  and  where  are  there  amongst 
us  the  same  fruits  of  the  Spirit  ? 

Passing  through  many  domestic  sorrows,  and  plunged  into 
deep  baptisms  of  spirit,  how  dark,  at  times,  were  the  clouds  of 
discouragement  that  concealed,  from  her  mental  view,  those 
rays  of  "  the  Sun  of  righteousness,"  that  had  so  graciously 
guided  her  in  her  path  of  devotedness  to  her  God  and  Sa- 
viour !  Yet,  in  all  her  distresses  He  was  her  refuge ;  and, 
in  His  own  time,  He  again  arose  upon  her  soul  "  with  heal- 
ing in  His  wings,"  proving  Himself  her  "light"  and  her 
"salvation,"  her  "strong  Tower"  and  her  "Deliverer." 

My  merciful  father  has  helped  me,  cared  for  me,  sustained 
and  provided  for  me,  and  in  many  ways  blessed  me ;  but  I 
still  see  many  hidden  evils  in  my  heart,  and  as  for  my  family, 
fears  often  get  hold  of  me,  and  for  myself  also,  lest  I  should 
not  walk  worthy  of  my  high  and  holy  calling.  I  can  only 
intercede  for  us  all,  that,  for  the  sake  of  Him  who  came  to 
seek  and  to  save  that  which  was  lost,  our  gracious  God  would 
have  mercy  on  us.  Oh,  dearest  Lord !  Thou  hast  granted 
the  petition  of  Thine  handmaid,  for  her  brothers  and  sisters ; 
she  now  sees  in  them,  in  a  great  measure,  the  travail  of  her 
soul,  and  is  satisfied.  Reject  not  her  prayers,  for  her  husband 
and  children  ;  bring  them  by  any  ways,  or  by  any  paths,  that 
Thou  mayst  see  meet,  but  let  them  also  come  to  the  knowledge 
of  the  ever-blessed  truth,  as  it  is  in  Jesus,  that  they  may  bo 


396  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1827. 

saved  with  an  everlasting  salvation.  And  oh,  gracious  Lord, 
be  with  Thy  poor  servant  to  the  end  ;  and  through  the  con- 
tinued extension  of  Thy  grace,  Thy  help,  and  Thy  mercy, 
let  nothing  ever  be  permitted  to  separate  her  soul  from  Thy 
love  in  Christ  Jesus,  her  beloved  Lord,  and  all-sufficient 
Saviour. 

We  pause  to  contemplate  her  affecting  petition  on  behalf 
of  her  husband  and  children.  "  By  any  ways,  or  by  any 
paths,  that  Thou  mayst  see  meet ;  but  let  them  come  to  the 
knowledge  of  the  ever  blessed  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus." 

The  eternal  well-being  of  every  immortal  spirit,  was,  in 
her  view,  a  subject  of  infinite  importance ;  in  comparison 
with  which,  all  temporal  considerations  were  lighter  than  the 
small  dust  in  the  balance.  Who  then  can  estimate  the  unut- 
terable anxiety  of  her  soul,  that  these  most  tenderly  beloved 
objects  of  her  conjugal  and  maternal  affection,  might  yield  to 
the  visitations  of  a  Redeemer's  love,  and  become  "  heirs  of 
salvation  ?"  She  had  cherished  an  intense  desire  that  her 
children  might,  from  conviction,  become  "  Friends," — that 
they  might  be  brought  to  a  saving  knowledge  of  the  truth, 
under  that  form  of  Christian  communion,  which  had  been  so 
eminently  blessed  to  herself,  and  that  they  might  adhere  to 
the  principles  which,  from  having  experimentally  found  their 
inestimable  value,  she  had  earnestly  laboured  to  implant  and 
enforce.  Deep  was  her  grief  when  she  perceived  that,  as 
years  added  to  their  mental  and  physical  growth,  they  ap- 
peared less  inclined  to  walk  in  that  path  in  which  she  had 
found  the  "  pearl  of  great  price." 

There  was,  amongst  her  brothers  and  sisters,  much  of  the 
fruit  of  the  Spirit,  in  dedication  of  heart  and  labours  of 
Christian  love, — produced,  in  some  of  them,  under  an  adminis- 
tration of  religious  truth  differing  from  her  own.  It  is  probable 
that  an  association  with  these  excellent  persons  might  tend 
to  strengthen  the  predilections  of  some  of  her  own  family,  and 
to  encourage  their  eventually  becoming  detached  from  the 


1827.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  397 

Society  in  which  they  had  been  educated-  There  was,  how- 
ever, other  influence,  which  yet  more  powerfully  led  them 
from  "Friends;"  an  influence  which  Elizabeth  Fry  watch- 
fully endeavoured  to  counteract,  but  which  was  not  within 
her  power  to  control ;  and  many  were  the  sorrows  which  she 
had  to  endure  from  the  diversity,  in  the  modes  of  worship 
and  practice,  consequent  on  her  children  becoming  thus  sep- 
arated from  her :  but  these  sorrows  did  not  abate  her  strong 
parental  affection,  or  her  solicitude  that  each  might  be 
brought  unto  Christ.  In  the  deep  fervour  of  her  soul,  her 
prayers  were  continually  poured  forth  that  those  most  dear 
to  her — her  husband  and  her  children — might  be  made  the 
blessed  partakers  of  the  rest  that  Jesus  gives. 
Her  journal  proceeds — 

Earlham,  Ninth  Month,  2nd,  First-day. — My  sisters  Cath- 
erine, Rachel,  Richenda  and  I  have  had  a  very  remarkable 
morning.  I  thought  it  better  to  stay  at  home  from  Meeting, 
to  be  with  my  beloved,  suffering  sister.  I  had  a  desire  for 
some  religious  time  with  her.  After  she  was  dressed  and 
removed  into  the  dressing-room  on  her  couch,  we  read  in  the 
Bible  ;  but  so  overcome  was  she,  from  weakness  and  sleepi- 
ness, that  she  could  not  keep  awake;  however,  we  went  on, 
till  I  knelt  down  in  prayer  and  thanksgiving  for  her  and  us  ; 
this  appeared  more  than  to  revive  her ;  she  prayed  beauti- 
fully and  powerfully  for  us  then  present,  for  all  her  sisters, 
for  my  children,  and  for  me  and  my  dearest  husband.  Af- 
terwards, she  sent  a  particular  message  to  some  of  the  absent, 
her  "  dear  love,  and  that  they  should  be  told,  what  a  rich 
blessing  she  had  found  there  was  in  seeking,  first,  the  king- 
dom of  God  and  his  righteousness."  The  consoling  effect 
of  this  time  lasted  for  many  hours,  so  that  our  beloved  in- 
valid remained  in  a  delightful  state  all  day. 

Wth. — My  beloved  sister  appeared  much  sunk  last  even- 
ing, but  awoke  early,  greatly  refreshed,  quite  clear,  and 
even  very  bright  in  her  mind,  and  relieved  from  suffering. 


898  LIFE    bP    ELIZABETH    FKY.  [1827. 

In  the  night  I  went  to  her,  and  seemed  unable  to  endure 
witnessing  her  conflicts  of  body  ;  but  to  my  help  and  conso- 
lation, I  found  her  thus  relieved  this  morning.  So  it  is, 
things  too  hard  for  us  are  not  permitted  ;  and  my  humble 
trust  is,  that  as  trials  come,  so  strength  will  be  given  to  en- 
dure them.  My  strong  confidence  for  my  beloved  sister  is, 
that  for  her,  way  will,  in  tender  mercy,  be  made  "  through 
the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death,"  and  support  granted  to 
us  also ;  though  from  the  weakness  of  the  flesh,  fears,  at 
times,  overwhelm  me  on  this  subject.  On  seeing  her  so 
comfortable,  I  said  to  her,  "  brooks  are  granted  us  by  the 
way;"  she  replied,  "yes,  and  more  of  them  the  nearer  we 
approach  the  journey's  end." 

Her  brother,  J.  J.  Gurney,  wrote  of  their  beloved  dying 
sister.  "  On 's  throwing  out  a  hint  respecting  the  '  Sa- 
crament,' she  disclaimed  any  wish  or  intention  to  partake  in 
that  ceremony ;  acknowledged  that,  in  days  past,  she  had 
received  benefit  from  the  services  of  the  Church  of  England, 
but  that  she  was  now  feeding  exclusively  on  the  substance, 
and  did,  indeed,  eat  the  flesh  and  drink  the  blood  of  the  Son 
of  man.  I  am  truly  thankful  for  her  being  brought  to  this 
experience.  Indeed,  her  abstraction  from  all  dependence 
on  human  help  is  wonderful." 

15th. — Sitting  opposite  to  my  most  beloved  sister  in  the 
blue-room  : — She  appears  to  be  gradually  sinking  into  death, 
and  may  we  not  humbly  trust,  and  confidently  believe,  into* 
the  arms  of  her  God  and  Saviour.  Grant  Lord,  I  pray 
Thee,  if  consistent  with  Thy  holy  and  blessed  will,  that  she 
may  fall  aelcep  in  Thee,  and  that  no  painful  struggles  may 
attend  her  change  ;  that  quietly  and  imperceptibly  she  may 
cast  off  this  mortal  tabernacle,  (having  already  testified  to  us 
her  faith  and  her  hope,)  and  be  landed  on  the  other  side  of 
Jordan,  awaking  to  joy  and  glory  unspeakable.  And  do 
Thou,  Oh  Lord  !  sustain  us  also,  in  this  time  of  trial,  and 


1827.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY. 

enable  us  in  our  low  estate,  to  rejoice  in  Thee,  our  God 
and  our  Saviour,  who  yet  giveth  the  victory  over  death,  hell, 
and  the  grave. 

I  have  been  alone,  and  quiet  a  little  while,  and  I  find  in 
this  awful  time,  that  "  help  is  laid  on  One  who  is  mighty ;" 
for  that,  which  ever  since  I  came  to  an  age  of  understanding, 
has  appeared  almost  impossible  to  bear,  even  the  loss  of  this 
sister,  who  has  been  like  "  flesh  of  my  flesh,  and  bone  of 
my  bone,"  now  I  am  enabled  to  receive,  and  bow  under  the 
dispensation  with  peace.  I  believe  that  she  has  done  her 
work,  and  that  we  have  nearly  finished  our  work  for  her ; 
but,  is  there  not  an  all-sufficient  Helper  near,  who  is  holding 
up  her  head  above  the  waves  of  Jordan,  that  they  overwhelm 
her  not! 

1.1th. — About  three  o'clock  this  morning,  our  most  ten- 
derly-beloved sister  departed  this  life.  Late  in  the  evening 
she  fell  asleep,  from  which  sleep  she  never  appeared  to  awake. 
They  came  to  let  me  know,  about  twelve  o'clock,  how  she 
was  going  on  ;  but,  at  first,  I  felt  unequal  to  going  to  her, 
and  she  did  not  want  me  ;  but,  gradually,  I  found  my  tribu- 
lated,  tossed  spirit,  calmed,  animated,,  and  strengthened,  so 
that  I  joined  the  company  round  her  bed,  where  I  remained 
until  the  solemn  close.  We  sat  some  time  in  deep  silence  ; 
then  I  knelt  down,  and  asked  that  mourning  and  lamentation 
might  not  be  the  garment  of  our  spirits,  but  thanksgiving, 
inasmuch  as  the  warfare  was  accomplished,  the  conflict  over, 
and,  through*  the  unmerited  mercy  of  God,  in  Christ  Jesus, 
an  entrance  was  granted  through  the  gates  of  the  City,  whoso 
walls  are  salvation  and  whose  gates  are  praise.  Then  I  prayed 
for  ourselves,  that  the  loss  of  such  a  sister,  who  had,  in  so 
remarkable  &  manner,  ministered  to  some  of  our  necessities, 
might  be  made  up  to  us  by  an  increased  portion  of  spiritual 
blessings,  and  that  her  various  labours  of  love,  to  us  and  to 
our  children,  might  receive  such  a  blessing,  as  to  produce  an 
increase  to  our  lasting  good.  After  returning  to  bed,  natural 
weakness  much  overcame  me ;  the  death  of  the  body,  and  its 


400  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1827. 

terrors,  got  hold  of  me,  and  the  heavenly  Inheritance  ap- 
peared hidden  from  my  view,  for  a  time.  To-day,  I  feel  able 
to  partake  of  the  repose  now  granted  us,  in  no  longer  having 
to  travel  through  "the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death,"  with 
one  so  beloved ;  and,  in  a  measure,  to  partake  of  her  rest,  as 
I  believe  I  did,  in  no  common  manner,  of  her  sufferings,  as 
if  one  with  her  in  them. 

19/A. — Blue-room — with  my  beloved  sister's  remains.  All 
quietness,  rest  in  comparison — over  my  own  mind  a  solemn 
feeling  of  peace,  and  this  truth  impressed  upon  me,  "  There  is 
a  rest  for  the  people  of  God."  Several  important  lessons,  I 
think,  I  have  learnt  by  attending  this  most  beloved  sister. 
1st,  That  persons  are  apt  to  dwell  more  on  the  means  of 
grace,  about  which  they  differ,  than  its  simple,  pure  opera- 
tion, leading  out  of  evil  into  good.  This  I  have  long  believed ; 
but,  seeing  one  who  united,  as  she  did  with  the  good  in  all, 
and  could  hardly  be  said  to  be  of  any  sect  or  body  of 
Christians,  so  grounded  in  the  Christian  life  and  practice, 
proves  experimentally,  that  being  united  fully  to  any  set  of 
people,  is  not  essential,  and  all  minor  points  of  difference  of 
comparatively  little  value.  2ndly,  I  learn  to  trust  more, 
and  be  less  afraid.  She,  like  myself,  was  liable  to  many  fears, 
particularly  in  her  nervous  sinking  states — how  little  cause 
had  she  for  these  fears,  and  how  were  the  things  that  she 
most  dreaded  remarkably  averted ;  also,  That  the  last  part  of 
a  death  illness  gradually  appears  to  diminish,  rather  than  in- 
crease, in  conflict,  as  with  natural  life  and  power,  sensibility 
to  suffering  lessens.  In  short,  the  lesson  taught  us  is,  to  seek 
to  serve  and  follow  our  Lord,  and  He  will  be  with  us,  and 
make  a  way  for  us,  even  to  the  end.  3rdly,  That  in  pass- 
ing through  life,  patience  should  have  its  perfect  work,  that 
we  should  seek  for  a  more  willing  mind  to  suffer,  as  well  as 
to  do,  the  will  of  God,  looking  for  daily  help  in  this  respect ; 
above  all,  that  we  should  endeavour,  in  all  things,  for  an 
upright,  circumspect  walk  before  the  Lord,  speaking  the 
truth  in  love ;  that  we  should  seek  after  full  understanding 


1828.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  401 

of,  and  reliance  on,  the  work  of  salvation  through  Christ, 
and  obtain  (if  possible)  more  knowledge  of  the  Scriptures, 
and  a  better  acquaintance  with  religious  books. 

The  remains  of  Rachel  Gurney  were  interred  in  "  Friends" 
Burial  Ground  at  Norwich,  on  the  23rd.  It  was  a  solemn 
and  favoured  time — Elizabeth  Fry  ministered  to  the  assem- 
bly with  much  power. 

On  the  24th,  she  went  to  Lynn,  and  the  following  evening 
wrote  to  announce  the  birth  of  a  little  grandson,  thus  rap- 
idly passing  from  the  last,  to  the  first  scene  in  "man's 
eventful  history."  She  had  been  anxious  to  come  to  her 
child,  and  yet  could  scarcely  leave  Earlham  sooner.  To  her 
family  at  home  she  says,  "  I  cannot  but  thank  a  kind  Provi- 
dence for  bringing  me  here  in  the  needful  time,  and  thus 
guiding  my  steps  aright." 

Plashet,  First  Month,  3rd,  1828. — This  year  commenced 
with  many  interests.  On  the  morning  of  the  new  year,  we 
assembled  almost  all  our  large  household,  and  many  guests, 
principally  young  people.  Before  we  began  reading,  I  men- 
tioned some  of  the  striking  marks  of  Providential  care  and 
mercy  shown  to  us  during  the  last  year.  We  then  read,  and 
afterwards  had  a  solemn  time,  in  which  I  returned  thanks 
"  for  mercies  past,  and  humbly  craved  for  more."  My 
dearest  brother  Joseph  joined  us,  and  under  a  serious,  yet 
cheerful  influence,  our  large  party  sat  down  to  breakfast. 
This  is  often  to  me  a  most  agreeable  time  of  the  day,  after 
the  repose  of  the  night,  and  often  some  spiritual  refresh- 
ment in  our  readings.  I  can  hardly  say  how  much  I  enjoy 
iny  family  circle,  and  thankfully  receive  the  blessings  con- 
ferred on  us. 

31«<. — During  this  month,  my  beloved  family,   husband 

and  children,  have  occupied  most  of  my  time  and  attention. 

.     .     .  -In  our  own  Society,  I  have  had  one  important  call 

to  Birmingham,  to  attend  a  funeral ;  a  very  serious  and 

51 


402  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1828. 

weighty  occasion  it  proved ;  numbers  of  the  children  and 
grand-children  of  the  deceased,  of  various  descriptions,  were 
present.     There  was  a  crowded  Meeting,  and  few  ministers, 
so  that  the  weight  of  the  service  appeared  to  devolve  on  me, 
there,  and  at  the  house.     The  help  granted  me  was  marvel- 
lous in  my  eyes ;  and  I  was  enabled,  at  these  different  times, 
to  preach  the  glad  tidings,  the  liberty  and  the  peace  of  the 
gospel  of  Christ.     So  it  is,  out  of  weakness,  we  are,  when 
dependent  on  our  Lord  alone,  made  strong,  and  fear  is  re- 
moved in  the  most  remarkable  manner — my  dearest  brother 
Samuel  accompanied  me — who  has  such  brothers  as  I  have, 
to  help  in  the  needful  time  ?     I  think,  as  it  respects  the 
ministry,  I  am  never  so  much  helped  as  when  without  other 
ministers  to  look  to,  my  dependence  being  then  singly  on 
my  Lord,  and  on  His  anointing.     I  yesterday  went  to  see 
one  of  my  sons  at  school,  and  attended  Epping  Meeting, 
which  I  thought  a  satisfactory  time.     I  tried   to  make  my 
visit  pleasant  to  all  the  boys,  by  taking  them   a  walk,  and 
giving  them  oranges ;  I  like  that  the  instruments,  who  com- 
municate religious  instruction  to  the  young,  should  be  pleas- 
ant to  them.     I  have  had  interesting,  and  encouraging  com- 
munications from  Ireland ;  as  if  in  some  parts  particularly, 
our  labours  there  had  not  been  in  vain.     I  have  been  to  see 
my  sister  Hoare,  and  have  felt  the  value  of  the  near  union 
between  us  ;  my  dearest  sister  Rachel  is  often  present  with 
me,  the  way  in  which  I  have  been  enabled  to  support  this 
inexpressible  loss,  is  surprising  to  myself ;  surely  it  is  only 
the  tender  mercy  of  my  God,  that  has  thus  healed  my  wound, 
and  upheld  me  under  it.     Indeed,  at  the  close  of  this  month, 
I  may  raise  up  a  fresh  Ebenezer,  and  say — the  Lord  be 
magnified,  for  His  loving-kindness  to  me,  His  poor  unworthy, 
yet  dependent  one  !     Oh  !  may  He  see  meet  to  keep  me  in 
the  way  that  I  should  go,  and  preserve  me  from  right  hand, 
and  from  left  hand  errors. 

Second  Month,  2nd. — Yesterday,  was  a  full  day,  'and  one 
humbling  in  its  effect.     In  the  first  place,  I  earnestly  de- 


1828.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  403 

sired  preservation,  that  I  might  keep  my  eye  single  to  God, 
and  not  bow  to  man  in  spirit.  I  then  went  to  town,  and  to 
Newgate,  under  a  feeling  of  rather  deep  concern,  where  I  un- 
expectedly found  numbers  of  persons  ;  a  magistrate,  foreign- 
ers, a  Jew,  a  clergyman,  many  ladies,  some  Friends,  and  my 
brother  Samuel.  Before  I  began  to  read,  I,  in  secret,  asked 
for  preservation,  at  least  it  was  my  earnest  desire  to  have  my 
eye  kept  single  to  my  God.  But  either  the  fear  of  man  got 
too  much  hold  of  me,  or  the  "  unction"  was  not  with  me, 
for  I  did  not  feel  the  power  of  Truth  over  us,  as  it  very  often 
has  been  at  such  times.  I  am  ready  to  believe,  that  if  I  had 
not  looked  at  man,  but  dwelt  yet  deeper  in  spirit,  I  should 
have  openly  called  upon  the  Lord,  and  should  have  found 
help  and  power  in  so  doing.  I  went  away  humbled.  I 
then  went  with  my  beloved  brother  Samuel  to  the  Bishop  of 
London,  to  talk  to  him  about  religious  services  with  prisoners, 
to  inform  him  of  our  situation  respecting  it  in  Newgate,  and 
the  extreme  care  necessary  in  the  appointment  of  chaplains 
for  gaols ;  also  to  speak  to  him  of  the  state  of  our  parish.  I 
spoke,  I  trust,  to  the  point,  and  that  good,  and  not  harm,  will 
result  from  the  visit ;  but  I  always  fear,  after  such  times, 
lest  I  should  have  said  too  much.  We  then  made  a  call,  where 
I  pretty  boldly  spoke  my  opinions  of  theatres  and  public 
places ;  and  in  reply  to  the  question,  How  I  went  on,  in  re- 
forming the  vorld?  I  replied  that  my  zeal  was  strong,  in  my 
declining  years,  to  do  what  little  I  could  towards  reforming 
things.  Afterwards  I  feared  that  I  might  have  said  too  much. 
We  went  to  the  Secretary  of  State's  Office,  and  saw  the  Under- 
secretary ;  there  again,  I  had  to  speak  my  mind  fully  on 
many  things,  prisons  especially. 

Now  during  this  day,  my  services  were  numerous — some 
of  an  important  nature,  and  such  as  might  by  some  persons 
be  supposed  exalting,  to  be  admitted,  although  a  woman,  to 
represent  things  of  consequence  to  persons  of  influence  and 
power,  and  to  be  received  as  I  am  by  them ;  but  lie  who 
ecarcheth  the  heart,  only  knows  my  humiliation,  and  how, 


404  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1828. 

in  these  services,  fears  for  myself  get  hold  of  me,  lest  1 
should  bow  to  man,  and  not  to  God ;  lest  any  thing  but  the 
simple  object  of  promoting  "  the  thing  that  is  good,"  should 
influence  me.  This  I  certainly  know,  that  such  engagements 
often  bring  me  into  deep  exercise  of  spirit  before  the  Lord, 
that  I  may  be  kept,  as  a  clean  instrument  ready  for  His  ser- 
vice, and  not  become  contaminated  by  the  spirit  of  self,  nor 
the  spirit  of  the  world.  Truly,  my  desire  is,  to  walk  hum- 
bly, faithfully,  circumspectly,  before  my  God  in  the  first 
place,  and,  secondly,  before  my  fellow-mortals;  but  ever, 
and  in  all  things,  to  seek  to  serve  my  Lord,  doing  His  will 
and  His  pleasure,  before  serving  myself  or  others,  or  doing 
my  own  will  or  the  will  of  man.  Lord,  continue  to  be  my 
help,  my  strength,  my  glory,  and  the  lifter  up  of  my  head ; 
and  if  consistent  with  Thy  holy  will,  bless  my  labours  and 
the  labours  of  others,  in  these  works  of  charity,  and  keep 
us,  the  unworthy  instruments  employed  in  them,  so  as  to  be 
fitted  to  perform  them,  or  any  other  service  Thou  mayst  see 
fit  to  call  us  into.  Amen. 

Third  Month,  5th. — May  I  not  say  to  Him,  who  seeth  in 
secret,  Thou  hast  known  my  soul  in  adversity  !  but  amidst 
these  dispensations,  is  not  the  "  Lord  known  by  the  judgment 
which  he  executeth  ?."  What  peace,  what  blessing,  what 
fulness  of  help  and  consolation,  have  I  also  experienced. 
How  have  gospel  truths  opened  gradually  on  my  view, 
the  height,  the  depth,  the  length,  the  breadth,  of  the  love 
of  God  in  Christ  Jesus,  to  my  unspeakable  help  and  consola- 
tion. 

21th. — On  Second-day,  I  attended  the  select  Quarterly 
Meeting,  and  was  appointed  representative  to  the  Yearly 
Meeting.  The  next  day  the  Meetings  were  satisfactory. 
How  striking  to  me,  and  how  humbling — here  am  I,  that 
used  to  be  one  of  the  last,  least,  and  lowest  in  this  Quarterly 
Meeting,  now  obliged  to  be  one  of  its  foremost  members  in 
the  Meetings  of  Discipline  ;  partly  from  so  many  vacant 
places  being  left  amongst  us,  partly  from  my  long  experience 


1828.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  405 

of  its  ways,  and  many  years  in  its  service ;  and  last  of  all, 
truly,  deeply  unworthy  as  I  am,  because  it  has  pleased  a 
kind  Providence  to  grant  me  the  unity  of  my  beloved  friends, 
and  thus  to  raise  me  up.  My  spirit,  notwithstanding  my 
outward  cheerfulness,  was  much  bowed  down  within  me,  in 
earnest  cravings  to  be  washed,  renewed,  and  more  fitted  for 
my  Master's  service. 

In  the  Fourth  Month,  Elizabeth  Fry  accompanied  her  hus- 
band on  a  short  journey.  To  visit  some  meetings  of  Friends, 
and  several  Erisons  formed  her  chief  inducement,  but  she 
also  was  glad  to  avail  herself  of  the  change  of  scene  and 
travelling  for  some  of  her  family. 

She  writes  to  her  children : — 

From  Matlock,  Fourth  Month,  l$ih,  1828. 
The  beauties  of  this  delightful  place,  even  amidst  pouring 
rain,  are  such,  as  to  make  me  long  to  have  you  all  around  us, 
to  admire  them.  I  am  sitting  in  a  bower  window ;  a  sweet 
little  garden,  cut  out  of  the  side  of  a  high  hill  on  one  side, 
a  deep  valley  on  the  other,  the  river  Derwent  at  the  bottom, 
full  with  the  late  rains,  flowing  over  rocks ;  and  very  high 
rocky  hills,  covered  with  trees,  beyond.  We  feel  the  com- 
fort of  quiet  and  rest  the  more,  because  we  have  had  such  a 
very  full  time,  almost  as  much  so  as  in  Ireland.  At  Leices- 
ter, Nottingham,  and  Derby — Meetings,  Prisons,  Friends, 
other  people,  forming  Prison  Associations,  and  various  en- 
gagements. My  dear  brother  Joseph  and  I  went  forward  to 
attend  the  Quarterly  Meeting  at  Nottingham,  which  we  wero 
favoured  to  get  well  through.  We  then  proceeded  to  visit 
three  Prisons  and  a  Lunatic  Asylum. 

From  Dttoxotcr,  Fourth  Month,  21s*. 

Yesterday  was  very  interesting.  We  went  eleven  miles  to 
sit  at  Meeting  with  some  persons  of  the  lower  class,  in  a 
stocking-weaver's  room ;  a  very  striking  scene  it  was,  and 


406  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1828. 

very  pleasant  afterwards  to  see  these  poor  people.  Twc 
Friends  sitting,  during  the  Meeting,  on  the  stocking-loom 
for  want  of  chairs,  and  we  believed  that  those  chairs  we  had, 
were  lent  by  the  neighbours  to  help  the  party  out.  It  is  a 
very  remarkable  case — a  poor  man,  a  wheelwright,  in  a  little 
out-of-the-way  place  called  Cowhouse  Lane,  about  ten  miles 
from  Matlock,  became  convinced  of  the  principles  of  Friends 
at  a  public  meeting,  and  it  has  spread  to  several  of  his  neigh- 
bours, who  sit  down  in  silence  together  on  First-days.  We 
were  all  much  pleased  and  interested  by  them.  We  returned 
to  Matlock  about  four  o'clock,  and  spent  a  quiet,  pleasant 
evening. 

Plashet,  Fifth  Month,  1th, — I  am  once  more  settled  at 
home;  after  a  journey  to  Lynn,  and  into  the  midland 
counties.  In  the  course  of  it,  I  visited  thirteen  prisons, 
also  some  Meetings ;  often  to  my  wonder,  that  so  unworthy 
an  instrument  should  be  so  honourably  made  use  of,  to 
minister  to  the  spiritual  state  of  others,  and  to  visit,  and  be 
the  means  of  assisting,  so  many  in  prison,  and  in  bonds. 
Surely  the  hand  of  Providence  is  in  some  of  these  things, 
small  and  great!  It  was  strikingly  manifested  in  many 
instances  on  this  journey ;  I  was  enabled  to  form  three  new 
Committees  for  visiting  prisons,  and  to  re-organise  others, 
in  a  way  that  I  hope  will  prove  useful.  Where  my  lot  was 
cast  among  Friends,  I  also  found  fhe  best  help  to  be  near. 
I  attended  the  Derby  and  Nottingham  Quarterly  Meeting, 
as  well  as  several  other  Meetings,  and  met  my  dearest 
brother  Joseph  at  Leicester,  where  I  was  enabled  to  assist 
him  in  the  needful  time  ;  it  appeared  almost  providential. 
I  walked  into  the  Meeting  where  he  was  at  Leicester ;  he 
did  not  expect  me,  neither  did  I  know  he  was  in  that  town. 
He  appeared  greatly  in  need  of  help,  being  fatigued  and 
very  unwell.  Since  my  return  home,  the  British  Society 
Meeting  has  much  occupied  my  attention.  It  was  on  the 
last  day  of  last  month  ;  it  was  a  very  numerous  assemblage 


1828.]  LIFE   OP  ELIZABETH   PRY.  407 

of  ladies,  many  of  them  of  high  rank.  I  had  much  to  do 
in  it  from  time  to  time,  when  the  different  reports  were 
read ;  I  explained  a  little,  and  at  other  times  poured  forth 
much  of  my  mind  on  the  subject.  However,  I  went  away 
low  and  humbled  at  the  conspicuous  part  I  had  to  take,  not 
doubting  that  it  would  bring  me  into  evil  report,  as  well  as 
good  report.  The  general  impression  I  hear  was  satisfac- 
tory, and  I  trust  good  was  done :  but  I  may  set  my  seal  to 
this — that  public  services  are  fearful  services,  and  none  but 
those  engaged  in  them,  know  how  much  those  are  spared 
who  do  good  privately.  Still,  if  the  Master  calls  us  into 
public  duties,  it  is  not  only  well,  but  honourable,  and  in  them 
much  more  good  is  accomplished,  because  so  many  are  con- 
cerned ;  still,  I  would  have  no  one  seek  for  them^  but  if 
rightly  brought  into  them,  preservation  will,  I  believe,  be 
granted.  A  watchful,  humble  spirit  is  called  for ;  one  that  is 
not  exalted  by  the  undue  approbation  of  fellow-mortals,  nor 
too  much  cast  down  by  disapprobation  or  evil  reports.  There 
must  also  be  willingness  to  commit  all  these  works  to  Him, 
who  can  prosper  them  or  not,  according  to  His  own  good 
pleasure. 

Plashet,  Fifth  Month,  12///.— Last  Sixth-day,  we  had  a 
very  interesting  visit  to  Newgate.  Numbers  were  there ; 
clergy,  some  of  the  nobility,  the  sheriff,  many  ladies,  gentle- 
men, and  Friends.  It  was  a  solemn  time  ;  the  fear  of  man 
much  taken  away.  After  the  reading,  I  had  to  speak  to 
them,  and  pray  for  them.  I  have,  of  late,  been  surrounded 
by  my  family,  and  deep  cravings  of  spirit  have  been  my  por- 
tion for  them.  Through  all,  I  have,  at  times,  almost  panted 
for  a  surer  and  better  resting-place,  more  particularly  where 
there  will  be  no  more  sin,  or  responsibility.  I  see  much  to 
enjoy  here  ;  but  the  temptations  that  arc  in  this  world,  at 
times  make  me  feel,  if  not  weary  of  it,  at  least  longing  for 
a  Heavenly  inheritance  ;  although  the  fear  of  the  passage  to 
it  always  makes  me  flinch  from  this  great  change,  as  well  as 
the  knowledge  of  my  unutterable  unworthinces. 


408  LIPB    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1828. 

Since  I  last  wrote  my  journal,  death  has  been  brought 
closely  home  to  me.     I  was  unexpectedly  called  to  attend 

my  dear  Aunt  C ,  in  a  violent  illness,  which  ended  in  her 

death.  I  went  to  her  on  Seventh-day,  and  for  some  hours 
every  day  afterwards,  and  one  night  till  she  died.  I  fully 
believe  her  state  was  a  blessed  one,  and  that  in  her  trial  she 
knew  the  Rock  to  be  her  stay.  Still,  as  far  as  I  can  judge 
from  observation,  death  is,  even  to  the  righteous,  an  awful 
conflict,  generally  attended  with  distress  of  body,  reduction 
of  spirits,  some  obscurity  of  mind,  and  great  difficulty  in 
communicating  to  others,,  either  the  wants  or  the  feelings. 
My  aunt  seemed,  in  her  distress,  to  depend  much  upon  me  ; 
I  appeared  to  be  a  comfort  to  her,  and  was  enabled,  in  mea- 
sure, to  minister  to  her  bodily  and  spiritual  wants.  The  day 
after  all  was  over,  and  after  having  had  a  very  solemn  time 
with  the  family,  I  became  ill  myself;  much  as  I  had  been  at 
Waterford,  hardly  able  to  hold  up  my  head,  or  go  on  my 
way.  On  Sixth-day  I  was  worse.  It  was  a  sudden  unex- 
pected loss  of  strength,  being  brought  down  as  to  the  ground, 
when  I  was  anticipating,  with  no  common  degree  of  pleasure, 
the  Yearly  Meeting,  and,  after  it,  my  child's  wedding,  look- 
ing for  rather  prosperous  days.  As  usual  in  my  illnesses,  I 
was  greatly  cast  down  at  times,  and  wonderfully  reduced  in 
a  short  tinre.  •  In  the  midst  of  my  conflict  and  distress,  I  still 
thought  I  could  see  the  hand  of  God  in  it,  to  keep  me  low ; 
may  it  be  at  His  footstool.  I  abounded  also  with  outward 
comforts  and  mitigations.  My  husband,  my  sister  Buxton, 
my  children,  my  sister  Elizabeth  Fry  devoted  to  me,  I  wanted 
no  outward  thing  ;  but  was  plunged  under  a  deep  feeling  of 
my  infirmity,  and  great  unworthiness  before  God.  I  am 
now  much  relieved,  very  thankful,  full  of  love,  may  I  not 
say  to  all ;  sweetly  in  unity  with  my  beloved  Friends  at  the 
Yearly  Meeting  ;  in  degree  overflowing  towards  them  all, 
still  abundantly  sensible  of  my  unworthiness  before  the 
Lord.  Oh  !  may  he  see  meet  further  to  fit  me,  to  suffer  as 
well  as  to  do  His  will. 


1828.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  409 

20/A. — I  think  I  am  better,  but  am  remarkably  reduced  for 
so  short  an  illness.  If  during  such  times  of  trial,  or  in  the 
end, — I  am  supported,  the  whole  glory  must  be  given  to  God  ; 
for  I  think  it  impossible  for  any  one  to  be  more  naturally  dis- 
tressed or  overset  by  bodily  illness.  Even  if  my  sun  sets 
under  a  cloud,  all  must  be  laid  to  my  great  natural  infirmity 
in  this  respect.  With  God  all  things  are  possible,  but  if  He 
should  see  meet,  at  that  awful  hour,  to  hide  Himself  from  me, 
may  none  be  discouraged  ;  but  all  look  upon  it  as  a  dispen. 
sation  permitted,  in  some  way  for  good.  In  times  of  health, 
also,  at  times,  in  sickness,  I  have  had  to  rejoice  in  His  salva- 
tion, and  frequently,  when  most  favoured  with  clearness  of 
judgment,  have  perceived  the  wisdom  and  mercy  of  all  His 
dispensations,  particularly  some  of  these  afflictive  ones.  Why 
he  saw  meet  to  permit  sin  to  come  into  the  world  is  not  for 
us,  poor,  frail,  finite  mortals,  to  comprehend;  but  that  we 
have  an  enemy  to  buffet  us,  I  cannot  doubt.  May  we  look 
to  that  blessed  day,  when  God  shall  be  "  all  in  all,"  and  shall 
"  put  all  enemies  under  His  feet,"  even  Death  itself.  Dearest 
Lord,  increase  my  faith  more  firmly,  more  fixedly  establish 
me  upon  the  Rock  of  Ages ;  that  however  the  winds  blow,  the 
rains  descend,  or  the  floods  beat  against  me,  I  may  not  be 
greatly  moved ;  and  let  not  any  of  the  hindering  or  polluting 
things  of  this  world  lessen  my  love  to  Thee  and  to  Thy 
cause ;  or  prevent  me  from  going  steadily  forward  in  heights 
and  in  depths,  in  riches  and  in  poverty,  in  strength  and  in 
weakness,  in  sickness  and  in  health ;  or  prevent  my  following 
hard  after  Thee  in  spirit,  with  a  humble,  faithful,  watchful,* 
circumspect,  and  devoted  heart.  Amen. 

At  this  time  her  daughter  Richenda  was  married  to  Foster 
Reynolds.  Two  days  after  this  event,  she  writes  in  her 
journal : — 

The  day  before  yesterday  the  wedding  was  accomplished. 
The  Meeting  was  solemn  and  satisfactory.     Our  bride  and 
bridegroom  spoke  well,  and  with  feeling.    My  dearest  brother 
52 


410  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1828. 

Joseph  prayed  for  thenvand  ministered  to  them,  as  did  others ; 
I  prayed  at  the  close  of  the  Meeting  most  earnestly  for  them, 
for  the  other  young  people,  and  ourselves  further  advanced 
in  life.  After  a  short,  solemn  silence,  the  certificate  was 
read  and  signed.  In  the  morning  we  had  a  satisfactory 
reading  with  our  children. 

Thanks  he  to  our  Heavenly  Father,  there  was,  I  think, 
throughout  the  day  a  great  mixture  of  real  solemnity  with 
true  cheerfulness.  It  was  certainly  no  common  day.  Through 
'everything,  order,  quietness,  and  cheerfulness  were  remark- 
ably maintained.  After  dinner  I  returned  thanks  for  our 
many  blessings,  and  could,  with  a  few  present,  feel  how  many 
outward  deliverances  we  had  experienced ;  that  we  had  had 
our  heads  kept  above  the  waters,  spiritually  and  temporally, 
and  were  able  to  have  such  a  day  of  rejoicing.  Our  dear 
bride  and  bridegroom  left  us  in  the  afternoon.  The  evening 
was  fine,  and  our  lawn  looked  really  beautiful,  covered  with 
the  large  and  interesting  party.  In  the  evening  we  assembled 
together,  and  had  a  solemn  religious  time ;  giving,  I  trust, 
the  praise  that  was  due  alone  to  Him,  from  whom  all  good 
and  blessings  flow. 

It  was  remarkable  that,  during  this  cheerful  evening,  one 
of  Elizabeth  Fry's  daughters  alluded,  in  conversation  with 
her  mother,  to  the  prosperity  that  surrounded  them,  to  which 
Elizabeth  Fry  returned  this  striking  reply; — "but  I  have 
remarked  that  when  great  outward  prosperity  is  granted,  it 
is  often  permitted  to  precede  great  trials."  There  is  an  old 
rhyme  which  says, 

"When  joy  seemeth  highest 
Then  sorrow  is  nighest!" 

Surely  this  was  verified,  in  the  contrast  between  that  day, 
and  the  events  which  so  shortly  followed. 

Pfashet,  Eleventh  Month,  4th. — I  have  been  favoured  to 
partake  of  very  sweet  feelings  of  peace,  and  refreshment  of 


1828.]  LIFE  OP  ELIZABETH  FRY.  411 

soul, — that  which  I  am  ready  to  believe,  in  the  most  un- 
merited mercy,  is  something  of  the  "  Well  of  water  springing 
up  unto  eternal  life."  But  I  find  outwardly,  and  about  me, 
there  are  storms ;  not,  at  present,  so  much  in  my  very  own 
borders,  as  close  to  them. 

5th. — The  storm  has  now  entered  my  own  borders — once 
more  we  are  brought  into  perplexity  and  trial — but  I  have 
this  consolation,  "  He  will  regard  the  prayer  of  the  destitute, 
and  not  despise  their  prayer."  To  whom  can  I  go  in  this 
time  of  emergency,  but  to  Him  who  hitherto  has  helped  me, 
and  provided  for  me  and  mine  in  a  marvellous  manner — made 
darkness  light  before  me,  and  crooked  things  straight  ?  Lord! 
Thou  who  remainest  to  be  the  God  of  my  life,  above  all 
things,  in  this  our  sorrow  and  perplexity,  cast  us  not  out  of 
Thy  presence,  and  take  not  Thy  Holy  Spirit  from  us ;  keep 
us  from  evil  and  from  the  appearance  of  it,  that  through  the 
help  of  Thy  Spirit  our  conduct  may  be  kept  upright,  circum- 
spect, and  clean  in  Thy  sight,  and  amongst  men  !  that,  in  all 
things,  at  all  times,  and  under  all  circumstances,  we  may 
show  forth  Thy  praise.  Keep  us  in  love  and  unity  with  those 
with  whom  we  have  to  act,  even  if  they  do  contrary  to  our 
wishes  and  judgment.  But,  oh,  dearest  Lord,  if  it  be  Thy 
holy  will,  make  a  way  of  escape  for  us,  from  the  calamity  we 
so  much  dread,  and  continue  in  Thy  unmerited  mercy  to 
provide  for  Thy  unworthy  servant,  her  family  and  all  con- 
cerned in  this  trial,  that  we  may  not  want  what  is  good  and 
needful  for  us,  and  that  others  may  be  kept  from  suffering 
through  us.  If  it  be  possible  remove  this  bitter  cup  from 
us  ;  yet,  if  it  be  Thy  will  that  we  drink  it,  enable  us,  through 
the  grace  and  spirit  of  Him  who  suffered  for  us,  to  drink  it 
without  repining, — yet  trusting  in  Thy  love,  Thy  mercy,  and 
Thy  judgment. 

It  was  not,  at  this  time,  the  will  of  God  to  remove  "  the 
bitter  cup"  from  His  servant,  but  rather  to  grant  strength 
and  grace  to  drink  of  it,  aa  coming  from  Ilia  holy  hand. 


412  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH     FRY.  [1828. 

The  failure  of  one  of  the  houses  of  business,  in  which  her 
husband  was  a  partner,  though  not  that  which  he  personally 
conducted,  involved  Elizabeth  Fry  and  her  family  in  a  train 
of  sorrows  and  perplexities,  which  tinged  the  remaining 
years  of  her  life.  Nature  staggered  beneath  the  blow — but 
the  staff  on  which  she  leaned  could  not  fail  her,  and  she  fell 
not. 

Eleventh  Month,  25th. — I  have  been  brought  at  times,  into 
little  short  of  anguish  of  spirit ;  not  I  think  so  much  for  what 
we  must  suffer  ourselves,  as  for  what  others  may  suffer. 
The  whole  thing  appears  fraught  with  distress.  When  I 
look  at  this  mysterious  dispensation,  permitted  by  Almighty 
wisdom,  I  am  ready  to  gay,  How  is  it,  Lord,  Thou  dealest 
thus  with  Thy  servant,  who  loves  Thee,  trusts  in  Thee,  and 
fears  thy  name? — and  then,  I  say  this  is  my  infirmity, 
thus  to  query.  Need  I  not  chastisement  ?  Do  I  not  deserve 
it  ?  May  it  not  be  a  mysterious  dispensation  of  deep  and 
sore  affliction,  laid  not  only  upon  us,  but  upon  others,  to 
draw  us  all  more  from  the  things  of  time,  and  to  set  us  more 
on  the  enduring  riches  of  Eternity.  I  cannot  reason  upon 
it,  I  must  bow,  and  only  bow,  and  say  in  my  heart,  which  I 
believe  I  do,  "  Not  as  I  will,  but  as  Thou  wilt."  Well,  if  it 
be  of  the  Lord,  let  Him  do  as  seemeth  Him  good.  Lord,  let 
Thy  grace  be  found  sufficient  for  us,  in  this  most  awful  time ; 
and  grant  that  we  faint  not  when  Thou  rebukest  us ! 

On  the  following  First-day,  the  question  was  much  de- 
bated, as  to  whether  she,  and  her  family  generally,  should 
attend  their  Meeting  for  worship,  or  not ;  but  she  was  firmly 
decided  that  it  was  right  to  go,  and  of  course  she  was  accom- 
panied by  her  husband  and  children.  She  took  her  usual 
seat,  bowed  down  and  overwhelmed,  with  the  bitter  tears 
rolling  down  her  cheeks — no  common  thing  with  her. 

After  a  very  solemn  pause,  she  rose  with  these  words,  her 
voice  trembling  with  emotion ;  "  Though  He  slay  me,  yet 


1828.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FEY.  413 


I  trust  in  Him  ;"  and  testified,  in  a  few  beautiful  and 
impressive  sentences,  that  her  faith  and  love  were  as  strong 
in  the  hour  of  adversity,  as  they  had  been  in  the  time  of 
prosperity.  Her  friends  were  deeply  instructed  and  affected, 
marking,  by  their  manner,  and  by  their  tears,  their  tender 
sympathy  and  love. 

To  her  only  absent  child  she  wrote,  on  the  27th  of  Elev- 
enth Month  — 

I  do  not  like  to  pour  out  my  sorrows  too  heavily  upon  thee, 
nor  do  I  like  to  keep  thee  in  the  dark,  as  to  our  real  state. 
This  is,  I  consider,  one  of  the  deepest  trials  to  which  we  are 
liable  ;  its  perplexities  are  so  great  and  numerous,  its  morti- 
fications and  humiliations  so  abounding,  and  its  sorrows  so 
deep.  None  can  tell,  but  those  who  have  passed  through  it, 
the  anguish  of  heart  at  times  felt  ;  but  thanks  be  to  our  God, 
this  extreme  state  of  distress  has  not  been  very  frequent,  nor 
its  continuance  very  long.  I  frequently  find  my  mind,  in 
degree,  sheathed  to  the  deep  sorrows,  and  am  enabled  not 
to  look  so  much  at  them  —  but  there  are  also  times,  when 
secondary  things  arise  —  parting  with  servants,  the  poor 
around  us,  schools  and  our  dear  Place.  These  things  over- 
whelm me  ;  indeed  I  think,  naturally^  I  have  a  very  acute 
sense  of  the  sorrow.  Then,  the  bright  side  of  the  picture 
rises.  I  have  found  such  help  and  strength  in  prayer  to 
God  ;  and  highly  mysterious  as,  in  some  points  of  view,  this 
dispensation  may  be,  yet  I  think  I  have  frequently,  if  not 
generally,  come  to  be  able  to  say,  "  Not  as  I  will,  but  as 
Thou  wilt,"  and  to  bow  under  it.  All  our  children,  and 
children-in-law,  my  brothers  and  sisters,  our  many  friends 
and  servants,  have  been  a  strong  consolation  to  me  ;  and 
above  all,  a  little  refreshment  to  my  tribulated  spirit  has 
been  granted  me  at  times,  from  what  I  trust  are  the  well- 
springs  from  on  High. 


414  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1828. 

To  HER  SISTER,  BUXTON. 

Plashet,  Ttodfth  Month,  2nd. 
My  dearest  Hannah, 

I  have  received  your  valuable  and  excellent  letters  ;  and 
the  advice,  as  well  as  consolation  in  them,  I  trust  will  do  us 
all  good.  My  desire  is,  that  we  may  entirely,  and  altogether, 
bow  under  our  circumstances  and  the  various  pains  attached 
to  them.  I  feel  with  thee,  and  have  felt  all  along,  that  a 
still  greater  pain  and  trial  might,  in  many  ways,  have  been 
permitted  us ;  but  one  of  its  deepest  stings  is  from  the  pecu- 
liar and  perplexing  nature  of  it.  It  abounds  with  temptation, 

as  my  dear  friend,  Mary  S ,  so  deeply  felt  under  similar 

circumstances ;  but  there  is  a  power  that  can  preserve  amidst 
them  all,  and  in  this  power  I  trust.  I  see  that  I  have  many 
blessings  left,  and  do  earnestly  desire  to  estimate  them  as  I 
ought.  Your  very  kind  offer  for  Hannah,  I  do  not  at  pre- 
sent think  it  right  to  accept ;  I  think  it  better  for  her  to 
drink  the  cup  with  us  for  a  time,  but  I  may  be  glad,  before 
long,  gratefully  to  accept  it.  I  feel  all  your  kindness,  and 
trust  I  shall  never  be  a  burden  to  any  of  you.  I  expect  our 
way  will  open — we  must  commit  it.  in  faith. 

The  tide  of  sympathy  flowed  in  from  all  quarters.  Many 
letters  conveying  the  expression  of  most  deep  and  tender  in- 
terest in  her  afflictions,  were  now  received  by  Elizabeth  Fry, 
n»t  only  from  near  connections,  intimate  friends,  and  mem- 
bers of  her  own  religious  community,  but  also  from  indi- 
viduals of  every  class,  whose  hearts  had  been  impressed  by 
her  piety  and  benevolence — from  distinguished  nobles  and 
senators,  and  from  persons  of  the  humblest  walks  of  life. 

Whilst  this  precious  servant  of  God  was  thus  passing 
through  the  furnace  of  adversity,  the  Compiler  of  this  volume 
was  privileged  to  belong  to  ,the  Meeting  (that  of  Gracechurch- 
street)  which,  when  her  state  of  health  permitted,  Elizabeth 
Fry  constantly  attended.  The  opportunities  of  public  wor- 
ship, as  well  as  many  of  a  more  private  character,  at  which 


1828.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  415 

this  afflicted  handmaid  of  the  Lord  was  united  in  worship 
with  her  endeared  friends,  were  often  favoured  with  a  so- 
lemnity, of  which,  perhaps,  no  adequate  idea  could  be  con- 
veyed in  words ;  and  the  offerings  in  prayer,  as  well  as,  at 
seasons,  of  devout  thanksgiving,  which  she  was  enabled*  to 
dedicate  to  her  Almighty  Sustainer,  were  accompanied  by  a 
heavenly  power  and  unction,  that  cannot,  even  now,  be  re- 
membered without  a  reverent  and  affecting  sense  of  that 
mercy  and  Fatherly  loving-kindness,  which  thus  strengthened 
her  to  glorify  God  in  this  furnace  of  adversity.  The  sweet- 
ness of  her  disposition,  and  the  remarkable  wisdom  with 
which  she  was  endowed,  shone,  in  this  time  of  trial,  with 
increased  brightness.  She  had  a  quality,  difficult  to  describe, 
but  marked  to  those  who  knew  her  well,  the  power  of  rapidly, 
and  by  a  process  of  thought  that  she  could  herself  hardly 
have  explained,  arriving  at  the  truth,  striking  the  balance, 
and  finding  the  just  weight  of  a  doubtful  question ;  no 
natural  gift  could  be  more  valuable  than  this,  under  such 
circumstances. 

Joseph  and  Elizabeth  Fry  resolved  upon,  at  once,  leaving 
Plashet,  and  seeking  a  temporary  home  in  Mildred's  Court, 
then  the  residence  of  their  eldest  son.  One  great  mitigation 
attended  this  calamity,  that  the  mercantile  business,  formerly 
their  grandfather's,  and  conducted  by  their  father,  remained 
to  the  young  men  of  the  family,  who  were  enabled,  by  the 
important  assistance  of  their  mother's  brothers,  to  carry  it 
on,  and,  by  this  means,  aided  by  their  uncles,  to  re-establish 
their  parents  in  comparative  comfort.  With  quitting  Plashet 
came  much  that  was  sad — uprooting  habits,  long-formed 
tastes  and  local  associations,  parting  with  servants,  and  leav- 
ing many  old  pensioners  and  dependants. 

Elizabeth  Fry  had,  for  many  years,  displayed  singular 
wisdom  and  economy  in  her  household  arrangements,  as  well 
as  in.  her  charities  and  benevolent  objects,  varying  according 
to  the  circumstances  in  which  she  had  been  placed.  To  "be 
just  before  generous,"  was  a  maxim  often  expressed  to  those 


41G  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [182». 

around  her.  On  this  occasion,  these  powers  were  called  into 
full  action. 

From  some  circumstances,  connected  with  the  impartial 
exercise  of  the  discipline  amongst  Friends,  her  husband  and 
children  allowed  their  attachment  to  their  own  religious  so- 
ciety to  become  weakened. 

As  the  winter  advanced,  her  health  greatly  failed.  Truly 
the  sorrows  of  her  heart  were  enlarged.  She  exclaims  in 
her  journal,  (which  was  very  irregularly  kept,)  that  her 
"  soul  was  bowed  down  within  her,  and  her  eyes  were  red 
with  weeping."  In  addition  to  domestic  trials,  h6r  tender 
feelings  were  at  times  grievously  and  unnecessarily  wounded, 
and,  from  without,  there  was  much  of  bitterness  infused  into 
her  daily  cup,  which  can  only  be  appreciated  by  those,  who 
have  had  to  endure  a  similar  calamity ;  but  the  meekness 
and  resignation  of  her  spirit  are  evident  from  her  entries  in 
her  journal. 

Plashet,  Twelfth  Month,  16th. — I  have  had  some  quiet 
peaceful  hours,  but  I  continue  in  the  low  valley,  and  naturally 
feel,  too  much,  leaving  this  sweet  home,  but  not  being  well 
makes  my  spirits  more  weak  than  usuaL  I  desire  not  only 
to  be  resigned,  but  cheerfully  willing  to  give  up  whatever  is 
required  of  me,  and,  in  all  things,  patiently  to  submit  to  the 
will  of  God,  and  to  estimate  my  many  remaining  blessings. 
I  am  sorry  to  find  how  much  I  cleave  to  some  earthly  things 
— health,  ease,  places,  possessions.  Lord,  Thou  alone  canst 
enable  me  to  estimate  them  justly,  and  to  keep  them  in  their 
right  places.  In  thine  own  way,  dearest  Lord,  accomplish 
Thine  own  work  in  me,  to  Thine  own  praise !  grant  that,  out 
of  weakness  I  may  yet  be  made  strong,  and  through  Thy 
power,  wax  valiant  in  fight ;  and  may  I  yet,  if  consistent 
with  Thy  holy  will,  see  the  travail  of  my  soul,  and  be  satis- 
fied, as  it  respects  myself  and  my  most  tenderly  beloved 
family.  Amen ! 

Mildred's  Court,  First  Month,  19th,  1829.— My  first  jour- 
nal in  this  year  !  What  an  eventful  one  "ttas  the  last !  pros- 


1829.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  417 

perity  and  adversity  were  peculiarly  our  portion.  It  has 
been,  in  no  common  degree,  a  picture  of  life  comprised  in  a 
small  compass.  However,  through  all,  in  prosperity  and  in 
adversity,  however  bright,  or  cloudy,  my  present  position  or 
my  prospects  may  be,  my  desire  for  myself,  and  all  whom  I 
love  is  this,  so  strongly  expressed  by  the  Psalmist,  "  I  will 
hope  continually,  and  will  yet  praise  Thee  more  and  more  !" 
So  be  it,  saith  my  soul,  and  if  it  be  the  Lord's  will,  may  light 
rise  in  our  present  obscurity,  and  our  darkness  become  as  the 
noonday,  both  as  to  temporal  and  spiritual  prospects  ! 

The  deep  discouragement  passed  through  by  Elizabeth  Fry 
at  this  period,  is  evidenced  by  the  following  letter  from  her 
kind  and  faithful  friend,  Wm.  Wilberforce,  to  whom  it  would 
appear,  by  the  reply,  that  she  had  expressed  some  doubts  of 
the  propriety  of  resuming  her  labours  in  the  prisons. 

"  Highwood  Hill,  Middlesex,  30th  January,  1829. 

'<  My  dear  Friend, 

"  Though  my  eyes  are  just  now  so  indifferent  that  I  must  be 
extremely  sparing  in  the  use  of  my  pen,  yet  I  cannot  forbear  or 
delay  assuring  you,  that  I  do  not  see  how  it  is  possible  for  any  rea- 
sonable being  to  doubt  the  propriety,  (that  is  a  very  inadequate 
way  of  speaking — let  me  rather  soy,  absolute  duty,)  of  your  re- 
newing your  prison  visitations.  A  gracious  Providence  has  bles- 
sed you  with  success  in  jpur  endeavours  to  impress  a  set  of  miser- 
ables,  whose  character  and  circumstances  might  almost  have  ex- 
tinguished hope ;  and  you  will  return  to  them,  if  with  diminished 
pecuniary  powers,  yet  we  may  trust,  through  the  mercy  and  good- 
ness of  our  Heavenly  Father,  with  powers  of  a  far  higher  order 
unimpaired,  and  with  the  augmented  respect  and  regard  of  every 
sound  judgment,  not  merely  of  every  Christian  mind,  for  having 
borne  with  becoming  dispositions,  a  far  harder  trial,  (for  such  it  is) 
certainly  than  any  stroke  which  proceeds  immediately  from  tho 
hand  of  God.  May  you  continue,  my  dear  madam,  to  be  the  hon- 
oured instrument  of  great  and  rare  benefits  to  almost  the  most  pit- 
iable of  your  fellow-creatures. 

53 


418  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1829. 

"  Mrs.  Wilberforce  desires  to  join  with  me  in  saying,  that  wo 
hope  we  shall  again  have  the  pleasure  of  seeing  you,  by  and  by,  at 
this  place.  Meanwhile,  with  every  kind  regard,  and  friendly  re- 
membrances to  Mr.  Fry,  and  your  family  circle, 

"  I  remain,  with  cordial  esteem  and  regard, 

"  My  dear  friend,  very  sincerely  yours, 
UW.  WILBERFORCE." 

Mildred's  Court,  Third  Month. — It  appears  late  to  begin 
the  journal  of  a  year ;  but  the  constant  press  of  engage- 
ments, and  the  numerous  interruptions  to  which  I  am  liable 
in  this  place,  prevent  my  having  time  for  much  writing.  We 
are  remaining  here  with  our  son  and  daughter,  and  their 
children,  until  there  is  some  opening  for  having  a  settled 
home.  However,  my  desire  is,  that  we  may,  in  faith  and  in 
humility,  entirely  bow.  I  have  of  late  not  visited  the  prisons, 
and  been  much  occupied  at  home ;  but  I  trust  that  I  may  be 
permitted  to  enter  this  interesting  work  again,  clothed  as 
with  fresh  armour,  both  to  defend  me,  and  qualify  me  for 
fresh  service,  that  my  hands  may  be  taught  to  war,  and  my 
fingers  to  fight ;  and  that  if  consistent  with  the  will  of  my 
God,  I  may,  through  the  help  of  the  Captain  of  my  salva- 
tion, yet  do  valiantly. 

During  that  mournful  winter  in  London,  there  were  periods 
of  peculiar  suffering  and  anxiety.  Elizabeth  Fry's  own 
health  being  so  shaken  by  her  severe  mental  distresses,  as 
nearly  to  confine  her  to  her  room,  with  a  bad  cough.  Her 
beloved  son  William  was  on  the  bed  of  sickness,  from  op- 
pression of  the  brain,  the  result  of  an  overstrained  and  ex- 
hausted mind.  Shortly  afterwards,  her  daughter-in-law  was, 
in  the  same  house,  in  an  alarming  state  of  illness,  and  a 
friend  who  came  to  assist  in  nursing,  was  taken  ill  with  the 
measles.  The  measles  in  a  grown-up  family  becomes  a  seri- 
ous disease.  They  were  driven  from  London  in  consequence, 
though  too  late  to  escape  infection,  and  took  shelter  in  the 
vacant  house  at  Plashet,  which,  for  many  weeks,  became  a 
scene  of  anxious  nursing. 


1829.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  419 

Thence  they  removed,  early  in  the  Sixth  Month,  to  a  small, 
but  commodious  dwelling,  in  Upton  Lane,  immediately  ad- 
joining the  Ham  House  grounds,  the  residence  of  her  brother 
Samuel  Gurney. 

Upton,  10th. — We  are  now  nearly  settled  in  this,  our  new 
abode  ;  and  I  may  say,  although  the  house  and  garden  are 
small,  it  is  pleasant  and  convenient,  and  I  am  fully  satisfied, 
and  I  am  thankful  for  such  a  home.  I  have,  at  times,  been 
favoured  to  feel  great  peace,  and  I  may  say  joy,  in  the  Lord, 
— a  sort  of  seal  to  the  important  step  taken ;  though,  at 
others,  the  extreme  disorder  into  which  our  things  have  been 
brought  by  all  these  changes — and  the  difficulty  of  making 
new  arrangements,  has  harassed  and  tried  me.  But  I  trust 
it  will  please  a  kind  Providence  to  bless  my  endeavour,  to 
have  and  to  keep  my  house  in  order.  Place  is  a  matter  of 
small  importance,  if  that  peace,  which  the  world  cannot  give, 
be  our  portion,  even  at  times,  as  a  brook  by  the  way,  to  the 
refreshment  of  our  weary  and  heavy  laden  souls.  Although 
a  large  garden  is  not  now  my  allotment,  I  feel  pleasure  in 
having  even  a  small  one ;  and  my  acute  relish  for  the  beautiful 
in  nature  and  art,  is,  on  a  clear  day,  almost  constantly  grati- 
fied by  a  delightful  view  of  Greenwich  Hospital  and  Park, 
and  other  parts  of  Kent,  the  shipping  on  the  river,  as  well 
as  the  cattle  feeding  in  the  meadows.  So  that  in  small  things 
and  great,  spiritual  and  temporal,  I  have  yet  reason  to  raise 
up  my  Ebenezer,  and  praise,  bless,  and  magnify  the  name 
of  my  Lord. 

Sixt  'i  Month,  23rd. — I  little  expected  to  attend  the  Yearly 
Meeting,  having  of  late  appeared  to  be  so  much  taken  out  of 
such  things  and  such  services,  but,  contrary  to  my  expec- 
tation, way  opened  for  me  to  attend  eveVy  sitting,  and  to  take 
rather  an  active  part  in  it,  to  my  real  consolation,  refresh- 
ment, and  help.  The  unity  of  Friends  was  remarkable.  I 
certainly  felt  very  low  at  its  commencement.  After  having, 


420  LIFB    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1829. 

for  so  many  years,  received  dear  friends  at  my  house,  and 
that  with  such  heartfelt  pleasure,  it  tried,  not  to  say  puzzled 
me,  why  such  a  change  was  permitted  me.  But  I  rest  in  the 
weighty  import  of  the  words,  "  That  which  I  do'thou  knowest 
not  now,  but  thou  shalt  know  hereafter." 


1829-1833.  Summons  to  the  death-bed  of  an  aged  friend — Of  a 
youth — Prepares  her  Text-book — Anecdote — Religious  visit  to  Nor- 
folk and  Suffolk — Meeting  of  the  British  Society — Visit  to  Sussex  and 
Surrey — Death  of  Robert  Barclay — Of  a  grandson  and  nephew — 
Death  of  her  uncle  Joseph  Gurney — Goes  to  his  funeral  at  Norwich 
— Kent  Quarterly  Meeting — Interview  with  the  Duchess  of  Kent  and 
Princess  Victoria — Yearly  Meeting — Interview  with  Queen  Ade- 
laide— Conyict  ship — Dagenham — Public  Meetings — Journey  to  Isle 
of  Wight,  Ac. — Events  "at  Ilfracombe — History  of  Samuel  Mar- 
shall— Death-bed  of  a  converted  Jew — Cholera — Yearly  Meeting — 
Meeting  of  the  British  Society — Visit  to  Wales  and  Ireland — Do- 
mestic interests — Sojourn  in  Jersey — Visit  to  Guernsey,  &c. — Re- 
turns home — Illness  of  one  daughter — Letter  to  another. 

As  we  proceed  with  the  journal  of  Elizabeth  Fry,  we  per- 
ceive how  deeply  the  sense  of  sorrow  and  of  heavy  trials  was 
impressed  upon  her  heart. — The  following  entry  is  calculated 
to  renew  our  tenderest  sympathy. 

Eighth  Month,  29M,  1829. — Our  wedding-day !  twenty-nine 
years  since  we  married !  My  texts  for  the  morning  are  ap- 
plicable : — "  Oar  light  affliction  which  is  but  for  a  moment, 
worketh  for  us  a  far  more  exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of 
glory." — "  We  walk  by  faith,  not  by  sight."  As  far  as  we 
can  judge  from  external  appearances,  mine  has  not  been  a 
common  life.  He  who  seeth  in  secret,  only  knows  the  unut- 
terable depths  and  sorrows  I  have  had  to  pass  through,  as 
well  as,  at  other  times,  I  may  almost  say,  joys  inexpressible 
and  full  of  glory.  I  have  now  had  so  many  disappointments  in 
life,  that  my  hopes,  which  have  so  long  lived  strong,  that  I 
should  see  much  brighter  days  in  it,  begin  a  little  to  subside, 

(421) 


422  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PET  [1829. 

and  my  desire  is,  more  entirely  to  look  beyond  the  world,  for 
that  which  can  alone  fully  satisfy  me ;  and  not  to  have  my 
heart  so  much  set  upon  the  things  of  this  life ;  or  even  on 
those  persons  nearest  me ;  but  more  set  upon  the  life  to  come ; 
and  upon  Him  who  is  faithful,  and  will  be  all  in  all  to  His 
dependent  ones.  At  the  same  time  I  desire  faithfully  to 
perform  all  my  relative  duties :  and  may  my  heart  be  kept 
in  tender  love  to  all  near  to  me. 

Upton,  Tenth  Month,  21st: — On  First-day,  we  were  rather 
suddenly  summoned  to  Plashet  House,  to  attend  Anna  Golder 
(aunt  to  my  faithful  Chrissy)  who  had  charge  of  the  house. 
She  was  one  of  the  lowly,  retired,  humble  walkers  before  the 
Lord ;  she  was  suddenly  taken  very  ill,  and  died  in  half-an- 
hour  after  her  niece  got  there.  It  was  apparently  a  departure 
without  sting,  to  mind  or  body ;  as  far  therefore,  as  it  respected 
her,  all  was  peace.  But  to  myself  it  was  different.  I  arrived 
there  after  dark,  drove  once  more  into  the  dear  old  place — no 
one  to  meet  me  but  the  poor  man  who  lived  in  the  house,  no 
dog  to  bark,  nor  any  life  nor  sound,  as  used  to  be.  Death 
seemed  over  the  placre,  such  was  the  silence — until  I  found  my- 
self up  stairs  in  the  large,  and  once  cheerful  and  full  house  ; 
when  I  entered  the  bed-room,  there  lay  the  corpse.  Cir- 
cumstances combined  to  touch  some  very  tender  feelings,  and 
the  inclination  of  my  heart  was,  to  bow  down  upon  my  knees 
before  the  Lord ;  thankful,  surely,  for  the  release  of  the 
valued  departed — but  deeply  and  affectingly  impressed  with 
such  a  change  !  that  once  lively,  sweet,  cheerful  home,  left 
desolate — the  abode  of  death — and  two  or  three  watchers.  It 
brought,  as  my  visits  to  Plashet  often  have  done,  the  hymn  to 
my  mind, — 

"  Lord,  why  is  this  ?  I  trembling  cried  ?" 

Then,  again  I  find  I  can  do  nothing,  but  bow,  trust,  and  de- 
pend upon  that  Power,  that  has,  I  believe,  thus  seen  meet  to 
visit  us  in  judgment,  as  well  as  in  mercy  ! 


1829.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FEY.  428 

31st — Since  I  last  wrote,  I  have  been  called  to  another 
death-bed  scene ;  our^ld  and  valued  Roman  Catholic  friends, 
the  Pitchfords,  have  lost  their  eldest  son,  a  sweet,  good  boy. 
I  felt  drawn  in  love,  I  trust  I  may  say,  Christian  love.,  to  be 
much  with  them  during  their  trial ;  I  felt  it  right  to  leave  my 
family,  and  spend  First-day  evening  with  them,  when  all 
hope  of  the  child's  life  was  given  up.  I  had  not  only  to 
sympathize  with  them  in  their  deep  sorrow,  but  to  pour  forth 
my  prayer  on  their  behalf.  The  next  day  I  was  with  the 
poor  child  when  he  died,  and  was  nearly  the  whole  day  de- 
voted to  them.  We  had  a  deeply  interesting  time  after  his 
death — my  dear  friends  themselves,  all  their  children,  their 
mother,  sister,  and  old  nurse.  My  mouth  was  remarkably 
opened  in  prayer  and  praises,  indeed,  all  day  at  their  house 
something  of  a  holy  influence  appeared  to  be  over  us.  A 
fresh,  living  proof  that  what  God  had  cleansed,  we  are  not  to 
call,  or  to  feel,  common  nor  unclean.  It  surely  matters  not 
by  what  name  we  call  ourselves,  or  what  outward  means  we 
may  think  right  to  use,  if  our  hearts  are  but  influenced  by 
the  love  of  Christ,  and  cleansed  by  his  baptism,  and  strength- 
ened by  His  spirit,  to  prove  our  faith  by  love  and  good 
works.  With  ceremonies,  or  without  ceremonies,  if  there  be 
but  an  establishment  upon  the  Rock  of  Ages,  all  will  be 
well.  Although  I  am  of  opinion,  the  more  our  religion  is 
pure,  simple,  and  devoid  of  these  outward  forms,  the  better 
and  the  safer  for  us ;  at  the  same  time,  I  do  earnestly  de- 
sire a  more  full  union  amongst  all  Christians,  less  judging 
one  another,  and  a  general  acknowledgment,  in  heart, 
judgment,  and  word,  of  the  universality  of  the  love  of 
God,  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord. 

Amidst  Elizabeth  Fry's  numerous  avocations,  she  found 
time  to  select  a  passage  of  Scripture  for  everyday  in  the  year. 
She  endeavoured  to  combine  in  it,  that,  which  is  "  profitable 
for  doctrine,  for  reproof,  for  correction,  for  instruction  in 
righteousness  ;"  and,  in  a  little  preface,  she  urged  the  import- 


424  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1830. 

ance  of  so  seeking  to  appropriate  the  truths  contained  in 
it,  with  a  heart  uplifted,  that  the  blessed  Spirit  might  apply 
the  word  ;  and  concludes,  u  The  rapid  and  ceaseless  passing 
away  of  the  days  and  weeks,  as  well  as  the  months  of  the 
year,  as  numbered  at  the  head  of  each  day's  text,  it  is  hoped 
may  prove  a  memento  of  the  speed  with  which  time  is  hasten- 
ing on,  and  remind  the  reader  of  the  importance  of  passing  it 
as  a  preparation  for  eternity,  in  the  service  of  God  and  for  the 
benefit  of  mankind."  As  soon  as  her  little  work  was  finished 
and  printed,  she  began  its  distribution  ;  many  thousands  of 
copies  did  she  give  away,  being  amply  supplied,  from  the 
stores  of  affluence,  with  the  right  means  of  dispersing  them. 
Great  numbers  were  otherwise  circulated.  Where  have  not 
these  little  text-books  penetrated,  from  the  monarch's  gilded 
hall  to  the  felon's  dungeon  ? 

Many  instances  of  their  usefulness  came  to  light.  The 
following  narrative  will  interest  the  reader : — 

"Two  or  three  years  after  their  publication,  a  text-book,  bound 
in  red  leather,  which  she  had  given  to  a  little  grandson,  fell  out  of 
his  pocket  at  the  Lynn  Mart,  where  he  had  gone  to  visit  the  lions. 
He  was  a  very  little  boy,  and  much  disconcerted  at  the  loss  of  his 
book,  for  his  name  was  in  it,  and  that  it  was  '  the  gift  of  his  grand- 
mother/ written  by  herself.  The  transaction  was  almost  forgotten, 
when  nearly  a  year  afterwards,  Richardson  Coxe,  the  clergyman 
of  Watlington,  a  parish  about  eight  miles  from  Lynn,  gave  the 
following  history  of  the  lost  book.  He  had  been  sent  for  to  the 
wife  of  a  man  living  on  a  wild  common  on  the  outskirts  of  his 
parish,  a  notorious  character,  between  poacher  and  rat-catcher. 
The  message  was  brought  to  the  clergyman,  by  the  medical  man 
who  attended  her,  and  who  after  describing  her  as  being  most 
strangely  altered,  added,  'you  will  find  the  lion  become  a  lamb,' — 
and  so  it  proved;  she,  who  had  been  wild  and  rough,  whose  lan- 
guage had  been  violent,  and  her  conduct  untamed,  lay  on  a  bed 
of  exceeding  suffering,  humble,  patient,  and  resigned. 

"  Her  child  had  picked  up  the  text-book,  and  carried  it  home 
as  lawful  spoil.  Curiosity,  or  some  feeling  put  into  her  heart  by 


1830.]  LIFB    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY,  425 

Him  without  whom  a  sparrow  falleth  not  to  the  ground  had  induced 
her  to  read  it ;  the  word  had  been  blessed  to  her,  and  her  under- 
standing opened  to  receive  the  gospel  of  truth.  She  could  not 
describe  the  process,  but  the  results  were  there.  Sin  had,  in  her 
sight,  become  hateful;  blasphemy  was  no  longer  heard^from  her 
lipa.  She  drew  from  under  her  pillow,  her  *  precious  book,'  her 
'  dear  little  book/  which  had  been  the  means  of  leading  her  soul 
to  Him,  who  *  taketh  away  sin.'  She  soon  afterwards  died  in 
pe'ace  and  in  joyful  hope." 

Elizabeth  Fry  believed  it  to  be  her  religious  duty  to  lay 
before  her  Monthly  Meeting,  a  concern,  which  had  for  some 
time  rested"  upon  her  mind,  to  pay  a  religious  visit  to  parts 
of  Suffolk  and  Norfolk,  and  attend  the  Quarterly  Meeting 
at  Ipswich.  Doing  this,  involved  many  pains  and  much 
effort.  It  was  with  fear  and  trembling,  that  she  set  forth  on 
this  errand  of  Christian  love.  She  was  accompanied  by  her 
sister-in-law,  Elizabeth  Fry,  and  their  valued  friend  Joseph 
Foster. 

She  wrote  while  on  this  little  journey,  to  her  children  at 
home,  upon  their  being  invited  to  attend,  what  is  called,  the 
"  consecration  of  a  Church,"  and  to  be  present  at  a  party 
afterwards.  • 

Earlham,  Third  Month,  23rd,  1830. 
My  most  beloved  Children, 

The  information  received  to-day,  that  you  should,  any  of 
you,  have  admitted  a  serious  thought  of  attending  our  kind 
friend's  party  on  the  31st,  surprises  and  pains  me  ;  not  but 
that  I  am  also  fully  sensible  of  your  willingness  fully  to  be 
guided  by  my  judgment  in  it.  With  respect  to  those  over 
whom  I  have  authority,  I  feel  it  impossible  to  leave  them,  in 
any  degree,  at  liberty  about  it — it  is  a  tiling  that  must  not  be. 
I  look  upon  it,  not  only  as  perfectly  inconsistent  with  our 
views  as  Friends,  but  perfectly  so  for  nil  religious  professors  ; 
because,  if  I  did  approve  of  consecrating  a  church  for  the 
f>4 


426  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRT.  [1830 

worship  of  the  Almighty,  I  could  not  possibly  conceive  it  an 
occasion  for  amusement  or  gaiety,  but  one  of  real  seriousness. 
I  see  the  thing  to  be  altogether  inconsistent  with  religious 
truth,  both  as  to  the  thing  itself,  and  this  commemoration  of 
it,  and  I  trust  that  none  of  you  will  be  present.  I  am  sure 
it  was,  in  the  first  instance,  your  own  view  of  the  case,  there- 
fore do  not,  my  dearest  children,  be  shaken  in  your  judg- 
ments about  it ;  I  believe  it  will  be  a  cross  that  you  will 
never  repent  taking  up,  but  on  the  contrary,  be  glad  that 
you  have  done  so ;  for  sacrifices  must  be  made  to  duty. 

Upton,  Fourth  Month,  26th. — My  arrival  at  home  was 
clouded  by  a  party,  to  which  my  children  were  invited,  and 
rather  wished  to  go.  We  had  some  pains  about  it — niy  path 
is  a  very  peculiar  one ;  and,  as  to  bringing  my  family  up 
consistent  Friends,  a  most  difficult  one.  My  husband  not 
going  hand  in  hand  with  me,  in  some  of  these  things,  and  my 
children,  in  no  common  degree,  disliking  the  cross  of  the 
minor  testimonies  of  Friends,  and,  from  deeply  sorrowful 
circumstances,  often  having  had  their  faith  in  them  tried, 
also  their  being  exposed  unavoidably,  to  much  association 
with  those,  who  do  not  see  these  things  needful.  My  desire 
is,  only  to  do  what  is  for  the  real  good  of  my  children,  and 
for  the  good  of  the  cause  which  I  love,  and  leave  myself  alto- 
gether out  of  the  question,  whether  it  bring  me  into  evil 
report,  or  good  report.  I  have  often  been  brought  by  these 
things,  especially  of  late,  into  deep  conflict  of  spirit,  and  out 
of  the  very  depths  can  only  cry,  Lord,  help  and  guide  me ! 
and  give  us  not  over  to  the  will  of  our  spiritual  enemies. 

Sixth  Month,  1th.  I  had  a  difficult  path  to  tread  during 
the  Yearly  Meeting.  I  did  not,  of  course,  receive  Friends, 
but  went  as  I  was  kindly  asked,  to  various  houses.  I  could 
not  but,  at  times,  naturally  feel  it,  after  having,  for  so  many 
years,  delighted  to  entertain  my  friends,  and  those  whom  I 
believe  to  be  disciples  of  Christ,  and  now,  in  considerable 
degree,  to  be  deprived  of  it.  But,  after  relating  my  sorrows, 


1830.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  427 

I  must  say,  that  through  the  tender  mercy  of  my  God,  I  have 
many  blessings,  and  what  is  more,  at  times,  such  a  sweet 
feeling  of  peace,  that  I  am  enabled  to  hope  and  trust,  that, 
through  the  unbounded  and  unmerited  mercy  of  God  in 
Christ  Jesus,  my  husband,  my  children,  and  myself,  will 
eventually  be  made  partakers  of  that  salvation,  that  comes 
by  Christ.  The  state  of  our  Society,  as  it  appeared  in  the 
Yearly  Meeting,  was  satisfactory,  and  really  very  comforting 
to  me  ;  so  much  less  stress  laid  upon  little  things,  more  upon 
matters  of  greater  importance,  so  much  unity,  good-will,  and 
what  I  felt,  Christian  liberty  amongst  us — love  appeared 
truly  to  abound,  to  my  real  refreshment.  I  am  certainly  a 
thorough  Friend,  and  have  inexpressible  unity  with  the  prin- 
ciple, but  I  also  see  room  for  real  improvement  amongst  us  ; 
may  it  take  place  :  I  want  less  love  of  money,  less  judging 
others,  less  tattling,  less  dependence  upon  external  appear- 
ance. I  want  to  see  more  fruit  of  the  Spirit  in  all  things, 
more  devotion  of  heart,  more  spirit  of  prayer,  more  real  cul- 
tivation of  mind,  more  enlargement  of  heart  towards  all; 
more  tenderness  towards  delinquents,  and  above  all,  more  of 
the  rest,  peace,  and  liberty  of  the  children  of  God ! 

I  lately  paid  an  interesting  visit  to  the  Duchess  of  Glou- 
cester. Our  British  Society  Meeting  has  been  well  got 
through.  There  is  much  yet  doing  in  this  cause.  Oh  !  for 
a  right,  and  diligent,  and  persevering  spirit  in  it,  and  may 
the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  be  with  all  those  who  are 
engaged  in  it. 

The  accounts  received  at  this  Meeting  from  various  Com 
mittees  for  visiting  female  prisoners  in  Great  Britain,  were 
very  encouraging.     The  following  letter  was  at  this  time 
addressed  to  Elizabeth  Fry : — 

"  Liverpool,  Sicih  Month,  23rrf,  1830. 

*'  The  Ladies'  Committee  who  visit  the  House  of  Correction  at 
Kirkdalc,  near  Liverpool,  beg  Elizabeth  Fry's  acceptance  of  a 


428  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1830. 

counterpane  worked  by  the  female  prisoners,  and  trimmed  witb  a 
fringe  of  their  making.  This  memorial  of  a  class  of  her  unhappy 
fellow-creatures,  so  eminently  benefited,  and  tenderly  felt  for  by 
Elizabeth  Fry,  will,  the  Committee  believe,  be  peculiarly  grateful 
to  her,  as  well  as  being  a  proof  of  their  own  affectionate  regard. 
"  Signed,  on  behalf  of  the  Committee,  by 

"  REBECCA  CHORLEY,  Secretary.1' 

A  counterpane,  elaborately  embroidered,  accompanied 
this  letter. 

From  Hamburgh,  Elizabeth  Fry  received  an  application 
that  a  copy  of  her  likeness  might  be  engraved  for  an  Alma- 
nack published  by  Beyerink,  entitled,  "  For  that  which  is 
Beautiful  and  Good." 

With  this  was  sent  to  her  the  following  translation  of 
some  lines,  inserted  in  the  "Almanac  for.  the  Beautiful  and 
Good." 

"  1830. — Though  faithful  to  her  duty,  as  a  wife  and  mother, 
into  the  night  of  the  prison  Elizabeth  Fry  brings  the  radiance  of 
love — brings  comfort  to  the  sufferer,  dries  the  tear  of  repentance, 
and  causes  a  ray  of  hope  to  descend  into  the  heart  of  the  sinner. 
She  teaches  her  that  has  strayed,,  again  to  find  the  path  of  virtue, 
comes  as  an  angel  of  God  into  the  abode  of  crime,  and  preserves 
for  Jesus's  kingdom  that  which  appeared  to  be  lost.  Is  not  this, 
indeed,  what  may  be  called,  loving  our  neighbour  more  than  one's 
self? 

"  Leeuwaarden,  September,  1829." 

From  Berlin,  Elizabeth  Fry  had  received  letters  from 
the  Countess  Von  der  Grosben,  giving  encouraging  details 
of  the  results  of  Ladies  visiting  Prisons  ;  and  there,  and 
at  Potsdam  also,  of  the  establishment  of  places  of  refuge 
for  such  liberated  prisoners,  as  seemed  anxious  for  amend- 
ment. 

The  effect  of  kindness,  and  patient  instruction,  even  on 
the  most  abandoned  creatures,  was  beautifully  described  in 
a  letter  from  "Madame  Potemkin  nee  Galitzin,"  addressed 
to  Elizabeth  Fry,  from  Petersburg. 


1830.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  429 

Upton,  Ninth  Month,  llth. — I  felt  it  right,  yesterday,  to 
lay  before  the  Monthly  Meeting,  a  view  that  I  have  had  of 
attending  the  Quarterly  Meeting  of  Sussex,  and  some  of  its 
particular  Meetings.  My  sister  Elizabeth  Fry  felt  disposed 
to  join  me.  It  appeared  to  meet  with  rather  unusual  unity, 
therefore  we  are  likely  to  go  forward  in  it. 

Tenth  Month,  12th. — We,  (my  sister  E.  F.,  my  brotner 
Samuel  Gurney,  and  myself,)  returned  home  from  our  jour- 
ney on  Seventh-day  evening,  after  being  out  a  week  and  two 
days.  We  were,  in  the  first  place,  outwardly  cared  for  by 
our  dear  friend  Joseph  Foster,  who  is  truly  a  helper,  spiritu- 
ally as  well  as  naturally ;  he  accompanied  us  to  Horsham, 
where,  as  usual  under  such  circumstances,  I  felt  ready  to 
query,  why  I  was  there,  and  fears  got  hold  of  me.  Friends 
received  us  with  much  kindness  and  apparent  openness. 

At  Brighton,  Elizabeth  Fry  attended  the  Meeting  for 
Friends  on  the  First-day  morning,  and  in  the  evening  held 
a  large  Meeting  with  persons  of  different  persuasions.  She 
had,  at  the  Pavilion,  an  interview  with  the  Countess  Brown- 
low,  and  through  her,  communicated  a  message  of  serious 
import  to  Queen  Adelaide;  the  substance  of  which  is  recorded 
in  her  journal  as  follows  : 

My  prayer  for  the  King  and  Queen  was,  that  a  blessing 
might  rest  upon  them  ;  that  they  might  be  strengthened  by 
the  spirit  of  God,  to  do  llis  will,  and  live  to  His  glory,  (or 
to  that  purpose);  then,  for  the  Queen,  I  felt  the  great  im- 
portance of  her  situation,  that  she  was  indeed  like  a  city  set 
upon  a  hill,  amongst  women ;  and  my  desire  for  her  was,  that 
her  light  might  so  shine  before  men,  that  they,  seeing  her 
good  works  might  glorify  our  Father  who  is  in  Heaven.  I 
expressed  my  desire  that,  for  the  good  of  the  community,  sho 
might  promote  the  education  of  the  poor,  tho  general  distri- 
bution of  the  Scriptures,  and  the  keeping  the  Sabbath  seri- 
riously,  by  discouraging  parties,  &c.,  &c.,  on  that  day  amongst 


430  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1830. 

the  higher  ranks,  as  I  was  sure  the  tendency  of  them  was 
very  injurious  to  the  lower  classes,  and  to  the  community  at 
large.  Then  I  touched  on  the  anti-slavery  subject,  and  the 
abolition  of  capital  punishment ;  and  presented  to  the  Queen, 
my  brother  Joseph's  Essays,  also  his  Peculiarities  of  Friends, 
and  my  little  book  on  visiting  Prisons. 

On  Fourth-day  morning,  after  several  calls,  and  attending 
a  Bible  Meeting,  we  dined  with  some  Friends  very  agreeably, 
and,  in  the  evening,  met  about  seventy  persons  on  account  of 
the  District  Society.  It  was  truly  encouraging  to  me,  to 
hear  what  wonders  it  had  done  for  that  place.  We  had  a  de- 
lightful Meeting,  a  great  variety  of  Christians  present,  and 
so  much  good- will  and  unity  felt,  that  it  comforted  my  heart. 
At  its  close,  our  dear  and  valued  friends  Charles  Simeon  and 
Joseph  Hughes  gave  us  some  sweet  religious  counsel ;  I  felt 
the  power  such,  that  I  could  not  help  following  them,  and 
found  that  "  out  of  the  fulness  of  the  heart  the  mouth 
speaketh" — giving  glory  to  the  Lord. 

On  fifth-day,  several  of  the  higher  classes  were  invited  to 
Meeting,  and  to  my  own  feelings,  a  remarkable  time  we  surely 
had ;  it  appeared  as  if  we  were  over-shadowed  by  the  love 
and  mercy  of  God  our  Saviour.  The  ministry  flowed  in  beau- 
tiful harmony,  I  deeply  felt  the  want  of  vocal  prayer  being 
offered,  but  I  did  not  see  it  my  place  upon  our  Meeting  as- 
sembling together,  when,  to  my  inexpressible  relief,  a  friend 
powerfully  and  beautifully  offered  up  thanksgiving  and 
prayer,  which  appeared  to  rise  as  incense,  and  as  an  accept- 
able sacrifice.  After  a  time  of  silence,  I  rose  with  this  text : 
"There  are  diversities  of  gifts,  but  the  same  Spirit;  differences 
of  administration,  but  the  same  Lord ;  diversities  of  opera- 
tions, but  it  is  the  same  God  who  worketh  all  in  all."  In  a 
way  that  it  never  did  before,  the  subject  opened  to  my  view, 
whilst  speaking ;  how  did  I  see,  and  endeavour  to  express, 
the  lively  bond  of  union  existing  in  the  Christian  Church, 
and  that  the  humbling,  tendering  influence  of  the  love  and 
power  of  Christ,  must  lead  us  not  to  condemn  our  neighbours, 


1830.J  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  431 

but  to  love  all.  I  had  to  end  the  Meeting  by  praying  for  the 
King,  Queen,  and  all  their  subjects  every  where ;  for  the  ad- 
vancement of  that  day,  when  the  knowledge  of  God  and  His 
glory  would  cover  the  earth  as  the  waters  cover  the  sea ;  for 
those  countries  in  Europe  that  are  in  a  disturbed  state,  and 
that  these  shakings  might  eventually  be-  for  good.  After  a 
most  solemn  feeling  of  union,  the  Meeting  broke  up. 

I  have  been  thus  full  in  the  account  of  this  journey,  because 
it  is,  I  think,  well,  in  this  way,  to  leave  some  memorial  of 
the  tender  dealings  of  my  gracious  Lord  and  Master  with  me, 
when  engaged  in  His  service. 

Upton,  Eleventh  Month,  3rd. — We  returned  home  yester- 
day from  Bury  Hill,  where  my  brother  Samuel  and  myself 
went  on  Seventh-day,  in  consequence  of  the  death  of  my  dear 
uncle  Barclay,  whose  funeral  we  attended  the  preceding 
Sixth-day,  when  thirteen  of  his  children  and  children-in-law 
attended.  It  was  to  me  very  affecting,  following  the  remains 
of  this  dear  uncle  to  the.grave,  who  was  such  a  kind,  generous 
friend,  and  helper  to  me.  It  is  very  striking  to  see  one  gene- 
ration so  nearly  gone ;  so  many  of  us,  now  entering  the 
evening  of  our  day,  and  our  children  and  children's  children 
coming  up  after  us.  Life  thus  passing  away,  "  as  a  tale  that 
is  told." 

Twelfth  Month,  1th. — May  I  be  enabled  so  to  give  an  ac- 
count of  the  various  dealings  of  the  Almighty  with  me  and 
mine,  that  it  may  be  useful  to  some,  at  least  to  my  most  beloved 
children  and  children's  children.  I  have  to  begin  with  rather 
a  melancholy  tale : — My  beloved  children,  Foster  and  Ri- 
chenda  Reynolds,  lost  their  sweet  baby  upon  the  4th  of  last 
month,  after  a  few  days'  severe  illness.  Death  is  awful  and 
affecting,  come  as  it  may  !  and  this  I  truly  felt,  when  seeing 
the  sweet  babe  in  its  coffin,  still  retaining  its  beautiful  colour. 
I  could  not  but  feel  the  uncertainty  of  all  our  possessions, 
yet  the  comfort,  that  death  had  only  entered  our  family  and 
taken  one  for  whom  we  could  feel  no  fear  for  the  future.  At 
her  grave,  the  desire  was  very  strong  within  me,  that  wo 


482  LIFE   OF  ELIZABETH   FRY.  [1830. 

might  all  become  like  little  children,  fit  to  enter  the  kingdom 
of  God,  being  washed  and  made  white  in  the  blood  of  the 
Lamb.  Since  then,  my  dear  nephew  Harry  Buxton  has  been 
called  hence.  His  end  appeared,  in  no  common  degree, 
peace,  if  not  joy,  in  the  Lord.  He  was  about  seventeen 
years  of  age — a  remarkable  instance  of  the  care  and  religious 
instruction  of  parents  being  blessed ;  he  was  greatly  protected 
through  life,  from  any  evil  influences,  and  carefully  and  dili- 
gently instructed  by  his  dear  mother,  particularly  in  all  reli- 
gious truth.  He  was  a  child,  who  in  no  common  degree, 
appeared  to  be  kept  from  evil,  and  to  live  in  the  fear  and 
love  of  the  Lord ;  he  was  cheerful,  industrious,  clever,  very 
agreeable,  and  of  a  sweet  person — a  very  deep  trial  it  is  to 
his  dear  parents  to  lose  him.  Still  I  feel,  as  if  I  could  give 
up  all  my  sons  to  be  in  such  a  state ;  but  I  may  be  mistaken 
in  this,  and  perhaps  my  Lord  may  yet  be  pleased,  to  raise 
them  up  to  His  service  here  below,  which  would  be  a  greater 
blessing,  than  having  them  taken  in  the  morning  of  the  day. 
First  Month,  llth,  1831. — When  dressing,  last  First-day 

fortnight,  A came  in  to  tell  me,  that  my  dear  and  valued 

uncle  Joseph  Gurney  had  suddenly  dropped  down  dead,  at 
his  house  at  the  Grove,  near  Norwich,  my  aunt  only  with 
him  at  the  time.  It  exceedingly  affected  me,  for  he  was 
very  dear  to  me,  and  more  like  a  father  than  any  one  living ; 
he  was  one  in  whom  the  religious  life  was  beautifully  mani- 
fested, more  particularly  in  his  humility,  in  his  cheerfulness, 
and  in  his  obedience.  He  was  a  lively  minister  of  the  gospel, 
a  valuable  and  a  delightful  man,  and  his  loss  is  indeed  very 
great  to  those  nearest  to  him,  as  well  as  to  many  others.  I 
had  a  painful  struggle,  to  know  whether  I  ought  to  go  to  his 
funeral,  or  not.  However,  I  decided  to  go,  in  which  I  felt 
peace,  and  then  eould  leave  it  all  comfortably.  I  have 
seldom,  of  late,  felt  more  discouraged  from  a  deep  sense  of 
the  evil  of  my  own  heart,  than  when  I  first  arrived  at  Earl- 
ham.  There  are  times,  when  with  my  brothers  and  sisters 
particularly,  the  contrast  of  my  circumstances  with  their' s 


1831.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    PRY.  433 

pains  me  ;  the  mode  of  my  feeling  these  things  oppressed  me. 
I  walked  alone  through  some  beautiful  parts  of  Earlham,  and 
how  did  it  remind  me  of  days  that  are  past !  The  sun  shone 
brightly,  and  hardly  a  tree,  a  walk,  or  a  view,  but  brought 
interesting  remembrances  before  me  ;  how  many  gone  !  how 
many  changes  !  and  then  how  far  was  I  ready  for  my  great 
change  ?  It  was  New  Year's  Day ;  little  did  I  expect  to 
keep  it  there.  I  returned  to  the  house,  wrote  to  my  husband 
and  children,  and  poured  out  a  little  of  my  heart  to  them. 
I  went  to  the  Grove — felt  my  much  loved  uncle  really  gone 
— all  changed  there.  I  went  to  Norwich  to  call  on  a  few 
sick,  &c. ;  the  place  the  same,  but  again  how  changed  to  me ! 
However  as  my  dearest  family  assembled,  I  became  more 
comfortable. 

Upton,  Third  Month,  19f/t. — I  went  on  Second-day  to  at- 
tend the  Kent  Quarterly  Meeting,  accompanied  by  my  dear 
Bister  Elizabeth  Fry,  and  by  Joseph  Foster.  I  was  much 
engaged  from  Meeting  to  Meeting,  laboured  to  encourage 
the  low,  the  poor,  and  the  sorrowful ;  to  lead  to  practical 
religion,  and  to  shake  from  all  outward  dependencies,  and  to 
show  that  our  principles  and  testimonies  of  a  peculiar  nature, 
should  not  be  maintained  simply  as  a  regulation  amongst  us, 
but  unto  the  Lord,  and  in  deep  humility,  in  the  true  Christian 
spirit,  particularly  as  to  tithes,  war,  &c.  I  felt  much  peace 
afterwards,  and  in  going  from  house  to  house,  breaking,  I 
trust,  a  little  bread  spiritually,  and  giving  thanks.  It  ap- 
peared very  seasonable,  though  long  delayed,  as  I  have  had 
it  on  my  mind  many  months,  but  hitherto  have  been  pre- 
vented by  various  things ;  yet  this  appeared  to  bo  the  right 
time ;  and  I  take  the  lesson  home,  quietly  to  wait  for  the 
openings  of  Providence,  particularly  in  all  religious  services, 
and  not  to  attempt  to  plan  them  too  much  myself. 

The  kindness  of  Friends  was  great,  and  I  received  much 
real  encouragement  from  them  ;  some  from  the  humble  ones, 
that  did  my  heart  good.  Indeed  I  cannot  but  acknowledge, 
in  humiliation  of  spirit,  however  any  may  reason  on  these 


434  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1831 

things,  and  however  strange  that  women  should  be  sent  out 
to  preach  the  gospel,  yet  I  have,  in  these  services,  partaken 
of  joy  and  peace,  that  I  think  I  have  never  felt,  in  the  same 
degree,  in  any  other. 

Fifth  Mouthy  14<A. — About  three  weeks  ago,  I  paid  a  very 
satisfactory  visit  to  the  Duchess  of  Kent,  and  her  very  pleas- 
ing daughter,  the  Princess  Victoria.  William  Allen  went 
with  me.  We  took  some  books  on  the  subject  of  slavery, 
with  the  hope  of  influencing  the  young  princess  in  that  im- 
portant cause.  We  were  received  with  much  kindness  and 
cordiality,  and  I  felt  my  way  open  to  express  not  only  my 
desire  that  the  best  blessing  might  rest  upon  them,  but  that 
the  young  princess  might  follow  the  example  of  our  blessed 
Lord,  that  as  she  "  grew  in  stature,  she  might  grow  in  favour 
with  God  and  man."  I  also  ventured  to  remind  her  of  King 
Josiah,  who  began  to  reign  at  eight  years  old,  and  did  that 
which  was  right  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord,  turning  neither  to 
the  right  hand  nor  to  the  left,  which  seemed  to  be  well  re- 
ceived. Since  that,  I  thought  it  right  to  send  the  Duke  of 
Gloucester  my  brother  Joseph's  work  on  the  Sabbath,  and 
rather  a  serious  letter,  and  had  a  very  valuable  answer  from 
him,  full  of  feeling.  I  have  an  invitation  to  visit  the  Duchess 
of  Gloucester  next  Fourth-day ;  may  good  result  to  them, 
and  no  harm  to  myself,  but  I  feel  these  openings  rather  a 
weighty  responsibility,  and  desire  to  be  faithful,  not  forward. 
I  had  long  felt  an  inclination  to  see  the  young  princess,  and 
to  endeavour  to  throw,  a  little  weight  in  the  right  scale, 
seeing  the  very  important  place  that  she  is  likely  to  fill.  I 
was  much  pleased  with  her,  and  think  her  a  sweet,  lovely, 
and  hopeful  child. 

The  Yearly  Meeting  begins  next  week ;  I  am  rather  low 
in  the  prospect,  having  no  house  to  receive  my  dear  friends 
in  London  continues  to  be  a  pain  to  me.  I  desire  to  attend  it 
in  all  humility,  looking  to  my  Lord,  and  not  unto  man  ;  I 
desire  to  be  kept  in  the  unity  of  those  with  whom  I  am  in 


1831.J  LIFE  OP  ELIZABETH   FRY.  435 

religious  communion,  for  I  am  one  with  them  in  principle ; 
but  we  must  forbear  with  each  other  in  love,  and  endeavour, 
through  every  trial  of  it,  "  to  keep  the  unity  of  the  Spirit 
in  the  bond  of  peace."  Be  pleased,  oh  Lord  !  to  be  near 
to  Thy  most  unworthy  servant,  defend  her  with  Thy  own 
armour  from  the  various  shafts  of  the  adversary,  keep  her 
safely  in  Thy  "  pavilion  from  the  strife  of  tongues."  If  Thou 
see  meet  to  call  her  into  Thy  service,  be  a  light  unto  her  feet, 
and  a  lamp  unto  her  path. 

Sixth  Month,  3rrf. — The  Yearly  Meeting  has  concluded 
this  week.  I  was  highly  comforted  by  the  good  spirit  mani- 
fested in  it  by  numbers.  I  think  I  never  was  so  much 
satisfied  with  the  ground  taken  by  Friends,  leading  us  to 
maintain,  what  we  consider  our  testimonies,  upon  a  scriptural 
and  Christian  ground,  rather  than  because  our  forefathers 
maintained  them.  My  opinion  is,  that  nothing  is  so  likely 
to  cause  our  Society  to  remain  a  living  and  spiritual  body,  as 
its  being  willing  to  stand  open  to  improvement ;  because,  it 
is  to  be  supposed  that  as  the  Church  generally  emerges  out 
of  the  dark  state  it  was  brought  into,  its  light  will  shine 
brighter  and  brighter,  and  we,  as  a  part  of  it,  shall  partake 
of  this  dispensation.  My  belief  is,  that  neither  individuals, 
nor  collective  bodies,  should  stand  still  in  grace,  but  their 
light  should  shine  brighter  and  brighter  unto  perfect  day. 
My  dearest  brother  Joseph  had  a  valuable  Meeting  for  the 
youth,  further  to  instruct  them  in  Friends'  principles,  which 
delighted  me ;  he  was  so  clear,  so  sound,  so  perfectly  scrip- 
tural and  Christian,  and  so  truly  in  the  spirit  of  charity  and 
sound  liberality,  not  laxity. 

25</j, — 1  must  give  an  account  of  the  British  Society  Meet- 
ing. It  was,  I  trust,  well  got  through,  and  I  feel  the  way  in 
which  its  objects  prosper,  cause  for  humble  thankfulness. 
Surely,  the  result  of  our  labour  has  hitherto  been  beyond  my 
most  sanguine  expectation,  as  to  the  improycd  state  of  our 
prisons,  female  convict  ships,  and  the  convicts  of  New  South 
Wales.  I  desire  to  feel  this  blessing  and  unmerited  mercy 


436  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1831. 

towards  us,  and  those  poor  creatures,  as  I  ought,  in  humility, 
and  true  thankfulness  of  heart. 

There  vras,  at  this  time,  a  bazaar,  or  sale,  to  replenish  the 
funds  of  the  hospital  ship  in  the  river  Thames,  so  often 
greatly  needed  to  assist  mariners,  &c.,  disabled  by  accident  or 
disease.  Elizabeth  Fry  was  interested  in  its  success,  and 
was  inclined  to  go.  She  was  the  more  induced  to  do  so, 
from  finding  that  Queen  Adelaide  and  several  others  of  the 
reigning  .family  were  likely  to  be  present.  She  had,  for  a 
considerable  time,  been  desiring  to  obtain  introduction  to 
the  Queen,  because  until  this  was  accomplished,  the  etiquette 
of  the  court  forbade  Elizabeth  Fry's  bringing  before  her  any 
of  those  important  subjects  on  which,  in  her  exalted  and 
responsible  station,  she  might,  if  her  feelings  could  be  inter- 
ested in  them,  become  a  powerfully  efficient  helper,  and  thus 
be  rendered  a  special  blessing  to  the  community  over  which, 
in  the  ordering  of  Providence,  she  was  so  conspicuously 
placed.  Elizabeth  Fry,  after  having,  as  she  says,  "  seriously 
weighed  it  by  night  and  by  day  believed  it  right  to  go." 
She  was  accompanied  by  her  sister  Catherine  Gurney.  On 
arriving,  she  was  "  discouraged  at  the  gaiety  of  the  scene, 
and  was  disposed  to  retreat" — her  sister,  however,  believed 
it  best  to  proceed,  and  they  were  quickly  recognized  by  Cap- 
tain Young,  who  led  them  to  a  private  apartment,  to  which 
the  Queen  and  her  party  soon  afterwards  repaired.  Somo 
of  them  respectfully  noticed  Elizabeth  Fry,  the  Duke  of  Sus- 
sex met  her  with  much  kindness,  and  introduced  her  to  the 
Queen,  who  was  evidently  gratified  by  the  interview.  This 
opened  the  way  for  subsequent  communications,  from  which 
good  resulted  in  various  directions  ;  and  it  became  strikingly 
manifest  that  there  was,  in  the  heart  of  this  estimable  Queen, 
a  sentiment  that  responded  to  the  suggestions  of  benevolence. 
Her  charities  were  diffusive,  and  her  pious  devotion  and  love 
to  her  Redeemer  instructive  and  consoling ;  the  termination 
of  her  earthly  course  being  marked  by  the  resignation,  and 
true  peace,  of  the  humble  believer  in  Christ. 


1831.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  437 

Elizabeth  Fry  speaks  of  this  interview  as  a  remarkable 
opening ;  and  adds,  "  my  desire  is,  that  it  may  please  the 
Most  High  to  bless  it,  that  good  may  result  from  it." 

I  lately  have  had  a  deeply  interesting  visit  to  a  female 
convict  ship ;  surrounded  as  I  am,  at  such  times,  by  poor 
sailors  and  convicts,  it  is  impossible  not  to  feel  the  contrast 
of  the  circumstances  in  which  I  am  placed.  The  last  time  I 
was  in  the  ship  Mary,  there  was  such  a  scene  around  me — 
parting  from  them,  probably  for  ever.  So  many  tears  were 
shed,  so  much  feeling  displayed — and  almost  all  present  of 
the  low  and  the  poor.  Then,  within  a  few  days,  to"  be  in 
such  a  scene  of  gaiety ;  though  the  object  in  view  was  good, 
surrounded  by  royalty  and  the  great  of  this  earth.  The  con- 
trast was  striking  and  instructive.  I  ought  surely  to  profit 
from  the  uncommon  variety  that  I  see,  and  the  wonderful 
changes  that  I  have  experienced  in  being  raised  up,  and  cast 
down.  Oh  !  may  it  not  prove  in  vain  for  myself  and  others. 

Dagenham,  Seventh  Month,  Qtk. — I  have  now  before  me, 
some  deeply  weighty  family  matters  respecting  my  children. 
May  the  Lord  in  His  tender  mercy,  be  pleased  to  direct  me 
in  my  conduct  towards  them.  May  I  be  enabled  truly,  faith- 
fully, and  humbly  to  do  my  duty  towards  them.  Oh  Lord  ! 
be  Thou  my  helper  and  their  helper,  my  guide  and  their 
guide,  my  defence  and  their  defence,  and  whatsoever  is  right 
for  them  bring  to  pass ;  whatsoever  wrong,  prevent  by  Thy 
power  and  Thy  providence.  Amen ! 

At  our  last  Monthly  Meeting,  I  proposed  to  Friends  to 
hold  a  Public  Meeting  at  Maldon  in  Essex ;  and  some  Meet- 
ings among  the  lower  classes  around  Barking  and  Dagenham. 
This  is  a  weighty  service  ;  may  the  Lord  be  with  me  in  it,  to 
my  own  help,  and  the  comfort  and  real  edification  of  those  I 
am  thrown  with  ;  and  may  my  beloved  family  ]>art;ike  of  it. 

Eighth  Mouthy  1st. — Last  evening  we  finished  our  Public 
Meetings  in  barns.  I  passed  a  humbling  night — even  in  our 
;icts  of  obedience  und  devotion,  how  evident  is  the  mixture 


438  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1881 

of  infirmity,  (at  least  so  it  appears  to  me,)  and  we  need  to 
look  to  the  great  offering  for  sin  and  for  iniquity,  to  bear 
even  these  transactions  for  us.  I  apprehend,  that  all  would 
not  understand  me,  but  many,  who  are  much  engaged  in 
what  we  call  works  of  righteousness,  will  understand  the 
reason,  that  in  the  Jewish  dispensation  there  was  an  offering 
made  "for  the  iniquity  of  their  Holy  Things"  Humiliation 
is  my  portion,  though  I  may  also  say  peace,  in  thus  having 
given  up  to  a  service  much  against  my  inclination,  and  I 
hope,  thankfulness  for  the  measure  of  power  at  times  granted 
in  them. 

Notwithstanding  many  family  cares,  and  the  weighty  objects 
in  which  Elizabeth  Fry  was  engaged,  the  summer  of  this 
year,  which  was  passed  at  Dagenham,  proved  a  peaceful 
one. 

But  in  this  quiet  retreat  (as  in  more  public  and  busy 
scenes)  some  striking  events  chequered  her  course ;  but  her 
lamp  was  so  continually  kept  burning,  that,  in  every  exigency, 
a  light  shone  upon  her  path,  and  afforded  the  guidance  need- 
ful to  direct  her  in  the  right  performance  of  duty,  and  to 
convert  each  passing  circumstance  to  a  purpose  of  usefulness. 
No  portion  of  human  society  was  so  elevated  in  worldly 
rank,  or  so  much  sunk  in  poverty  and  wretchedness,  as  not 
to  raise  in  her  heart  emotions  of  deep  Christian  solicitude,  or 
to  induce  her  to  follow  the  impulse  of  heavenly  love,  which 
led  her  to  invite  all  to  the  one  fold  of  eternal  rest  and  peace. 

Dagenham,  Eighth  Month,  24th. — Upon  my  return  home 
to  Dagenham  this  day  week,  in  the  pony  chair,  with  little 
Edmund  Gurney,  there  was  a  severe  thunder-storm  the 
greater  part  of  the  way,  but  I  felt  quite  easy  to  persevere 
through  it.  But  when  I  arrived  at  the  Chequers  Inn,  I 
thought  another  storm  was  coming,  and  went  in.  We  had 
been  there  but  a  few  minutes,  when  we  saw  a  bright  flash  of 
lightning,  followed  instantaneously  by  a  tremendous  clap  of 


1831.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  439 

thunder.  Upon  being  asked  -whether  I  was  alarmed,  I  said 
that  I  certainly  was,  and  did  not  doubt  that  an  accident  had 
happened  near  to  us.  My  dear  husband  who  was  out  in  the 
tempest,  arrived  safely,  but  in  a  few  minutes,  a  young  man 
was  carried  in  dead,  struck  with  the  lightning  in  a  field  close 
by.  I  felt  our  escape — yet  still  more  the  awful  situation  of 
the  young  man,  who  was  a  sad  character ;  he  had  been  at  our 
Meeting  at  Beacontree  Heath.  This  awful  event  produced 
a  very  serious  effect  in  the  neighbourhood ;  so  much  so,  that 
we  believed  it  right  to  invite  all  the  relations  of  the  young 
man,  (a  bad  set,)  and  the  other  young  men  of  the  neighbour- 
hood, to  meet  us  in  the  little  Methodist  Meeting  House, 
which  ended  in  one  more  rather  large  Public  Meeting.  The 
event  and  circumstances  altogether,  made  it  very  solemn,  it 
appeared  to  set  a  seal  to  what  had  passed  before  in  our  other 
Meetings.  My  belief  is,  they  have  had  a  stirring  effect  in 
this  neighbourhood,  but  they  have  been  very  humbling  to 
me ;  the  whole  event,  of  this  young  man's  awful  death,  has 
much  confirmed  me  in  the  belief,  that  our  concern  was  a  right 
one,  and  tended  to  prepare  the  minds  of  the  people  to  profit 
by  such  a  lesson.  My  dear  brother  and  sister  Buxton,  and 
their  Priscilla,  were  with  us  at  many  of  our  Meetings. 

27th. — We  are  just  about  leaving  this  place.  I  have  en- 
deavoured to  promote  the  moral  and  religious  good  of  the 
people  since  the  Meetings,  by  establishing  libraries  of  tracts 
and  books  at  different  places,  and  my  belief  is,  that  my  hum- 
ble labours  have  not  been  in  vain,  nor  I  trust  will  they  be. 
I  have  felt  so  strikingly  the  manner  in  which  the  kindness 
and  love  of  the  neighbourhood  has  been  shown  to  me,  after 
thus  publicly  preaching  amongst  them  ;  and  as  a  poor,  frail 
woman,  advocating  boldly  the  cause  of  Christ,  I  expected 
rather  to  be  despised ;  whereas,  it  is  apparently  just  the  re- 
verse. The  clergyman  and  his  wife  almost  loading  us  with 
kindness,  the  fanners  and  their  wives  very  kind  and  attentive, 
the  poor  the  same ;  I  felt  how  sweet  it  is  to  be  on  good 
terms  with  all — one  day  drinking  tea  at  the  parsonage, 


440  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1831 

abounding  with  plate,  elegancies,  and  luxuries,  the  next  day 
at  the  humble  Methodist  shoemaker's,  they  having  procured 
a  little  fresh  butter,  that  I  might  take  tea  under  their  roof ; 
the  contrast  was  great,  but  I  can  indeed  see  the  same  kind 
Lord  over  all,  rich  to  all,  and  filling  the  hearts  of  His  servants 
of  very  different  descriptions  with  love  to  each  other. 

In  the  autumn,  Elizabeth  Fry  accompanied  her  husband 
into  some  of  the  South-Western  Counties.  She  writes  from — 

Sand  Rock  Hotel,  Tenth  Month,  Qlh. — This  is  the  place  in 
the  Isle  of  Wight,  where  my  most  beloved  sisters  Rachel  and 
Priscilla  spent  a  winter.  I  may  truly  say,  since  coming  to 
this  beautiful  and  interesting  spot,  my  heart  has  been  much 
tendered,  in  remembering  those  so  inexpressibly  dear,  feel- 
ing deeply,  that  their  places  here  know  them  no  more ;  it 
has  revived  a  very  strong  feeling  respecting  the  past.  Their 
course  finished,  mine  not  yet  fully  run ;  and  as  I  am  deeply 
sensible  that  I  cannot  keep  alive  my  own  soul,  oh  may  He, 
who  remains  to  be  our  light  and  our  life,  keep  me  alive  unto 
Himself,  until  He  may  fit  me,  by  His  own  Almighty  power 
and  unmerited  mercy,  to  enter  a  new  life  with  all  His  saints 
in  glory. 

Barnstaple,  23rd. — First-day  morning. — My  distress  is 
great  this  morning,  owing  to  the  steam-packet,  with  our  dear 
son  Gurney,  not  arriving  as  we  expected,  last  evening.  I 
have  passed  a  conflicting  night ;  my  husband  is  gone  to 
Ilfracombe,  in  hope  of  hearing  something  of  the  packet,  ami 
seeing  after  our  dear  boy,  if  he  arrives ;  I  stayed,  because  I 
thought  that  duty  pointed  out  attending  the  little  Meeting 
here,  but  I  feel  nervous,  afflicted,  and  desolate.  I  believe  it 
well,  to  be,  now  and  then,  brought  to  these  trials  of  faith  and 
of  patience — may  I  not  say,  like  the  disciples  formerly, 
"  help  Lord,  or  I  perish !"  may  my  experience  be  this  day, 
that  I  cried  unto  the  Lord  in  my  trouble,  and  He  delivered 
me  out  of  my  distresses.  Oh,  gracious  Lord!  quiet  my 


1831.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  441 

troubled  mind,  increase  my  hope,  trust,  and  full  reliance 
upon  Thee,  upon  Thy  wisdom,  Thy  love,  and  Thy  mercy, 
both  as  it  respects  myself,  and  my  most  dear  children,  par- 
ticularly this  beloved  boy — give  me  faith  to  do  Thy  will 
this  day,  and  even  to  prove  a  helper  to  those  amongst  whom 
my  lot  may  be  cast,  and,  if  Thou  seest  meet,  give  me  help 
from  trouble,  for  vain  is  the  help  of  man,  in  these  extremi- 
ties. 

Linton,  27th. — I  heard  before  I  went  to  Meeting,  (at 
Barnstaple,)  that  the  people  of  Ilfracombe  were  not  much 
alarmed  for  the  packet.  How  far  my  mind  was  influenced 
by  this,  I  cannot  say,  but  I  was  favoured  with  a  sweet  calm  in 
Meeting,  and  was  enabled,  I  trust  faithfully,  to  attend  to  the 
openings  of  duty  there,  to  my  own  relief  and  peace,  and  I 
hope  to  the  comfort  and  edification  of  those  present.  I  had 
hardly  entered  the  Friend's  house  afterwards,  when  the  glad 
tidings  came  of  my  dearest  Gurney's  safe  arrival.  I  have 
not,  for  some  time,  felt  so  much  joy,  I  miglit  almost  say,  that 
my  heart  rejoiced  and  leaped  for  joy ;  and  I  was  enabled  not 
only  in  heart,  but  on  sitting  down  to  dinner  with  my  friends, 
to  return  thanks  to  Him,  who,  in  His  tender  mercy,  granted 
me  this  deliverance. 

Shortly  after  this  anxiety,  when  at  Ilfracombe,  a  woman 
asked  me  if  I  should  like  to  see  a  poor  man,  who  was  wrecked, 
and  had  had  a  very  wonderful  escape,  the  night  before  Gur- 
ney  was  on  the  sea ;  of  course  I  assented,  and  Gurney,  the 
woman  and  I,  set  off  to  see  him.  When  we  arrived  at  his 
cottage,  we  found  a  very  fine,  rather  tall  young  man,  who 
appeared  to  have  been  much  bruised,  shaken,  and  wounded, 
with  a  nice  looking  young  woman,  his  wife ;  the  house  very 
clean,  and  a  few  books — but  one  particularly  struck  our  at- 
tention— a  Bible,  with  an  inscription  upon  it  in  gilt  letters, 
to  this  effect,  "  In  commemoration  of  the  courageous  conduct 
of  Samuel  Marshall,  in  saving  the  lives  of  two  women  (who 
had  been  out  on  a  Sunday  party,  a  third  was  drowned)  off 
the  pier  at  Ilfracombe."  It  appeared,  by  the  short  history 
56 


442  LIFE   OF   ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1831. 

of  this  young  man,  that  he  had,  from  his  great  courage,  good 
swimming,  and  kindness  to  others,  been,  at  different  times, 
the  means  of  saving  eight  lives,  at  least ;  he  had  gone  out  to 
ships  in  danger  near  Ilfracombe,  where,  from  the  rocky  na- 
ture of  the  coast,  there  often  are  shipwrecks.  His  own 
simple  story  about  himself,  on  his  recent  shipwreck,  was  as 
follows : — 

"He  was  fishing  in  a  small  boat  with  two  other  men;  about 
twelve  o'clock  at  night,  a  sudden  squall  or  land  wind  blew  from 
between  the  hills;  he  called  out  to  his  companions,  'we  arc  lost'; 
the  boat  capsized,  they,  poor  fellows,  prayed  for  mercy,  and  sank. 
Marshall,  knowing  his  great  powers  of  swimming,  would  not  give 
himself  up,  but  caught  hold  of  an  oar,  which  proved  to  be  a  good 
one,  nearly  new ;  and  although  he  knew  that  he  was  a  mile  from 
the  shore,  and  the  sea,  in  consequence  of  this  land  wind,  very 
boisterous,  he  felt  it  right,  at  least,  to  make  the  effort  to  reach  land. 
He  soon  found  that,  with  all  his  clothes  on,  it  would  be  impossible, 
but  how  to  take  them  off,  was  the  difficulty ;  his  presence  of  mind 
appears  to  have  been  wonderful;  he  first  got  off  his  jacket,  then 
his  trowsers  with  extreme  difficulty,  because  they  became  entangled 
in  his  feet,  but  by  a  violent  effort  he  succeeded ;  he  then  found  he 
could  not  well  get  rid  of  his  shirt,  nor  swim  with  it  on.  He  was 
driven  to  great  extremity,  his  shirt  being  a  new,  stout,  cotton  one — 
he  therefore,  once  more,  made  a  violent  effort,  and  tore  it  down  in 
front,  but  the  hem  was  so  strong,  that  he  there  stopped,  this  ho 
put  to  his  mouth  and  bit  it  through ;  he  then  swam  on  until  he 
nearly  reached  the  shore,  where  the  breakers  ran  so  high  that  ho 
lost  his  oar;  once  more,  he  almost  entirely  gave  up  hopes;  but 
resolved  on  one  last  effort,  and  found  himself  thrown  upon  a  rock 
very  seriously  bruised ;  he  climbed  beyond  the  reach  of  the  water, 
and  laid  himself  down,  cold,  hungry,  and  exhausted,  cither  to 
perish,  or  to  rest.  He  told  me  that,  it  being  quite  dark,  he  could 
not  tell  where  he  was  cast  ashore,  but  he  was  fully  sensible  that 
it  must  be  where  the  rocky,  high  cliffs  could  be  only  here  and 
there,  climbed  by  man — his  anxiety  was  consequently  great, 
till  day  dawned,  when  he  saw  some  sheep  feeding  up  the  cliff  side. 
Me  was  sure  that  wherever  sheep  could  go,  he  could  climb.  A>> 


1831.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  443 

bis  poor  feet  were  sadly  cut,  he  took  bis  stockings  (which  he  still 
bad  on)  and  bound  them  round  his  feet  with  his  garters;  with 
this  exception,  he  ascended  the  rough  cliff,  naked ;  his  exhaustion 
and  fatigue  great  indeed.  After  walking  awhile,  he  arrived  at  a 
farm-house ;  the  farmer  took  him  for  a  lunatic,  and,  at  first,  spoke 
to  him  sharply,  but  soon  finding  his  real  case,  he  took  him  in,  and 
treated  him  with  the  utmost  hospitality.  The  farmer's  wife  pre- 
pared him  a  bed." 

I  now  stop  my  narrative  to  say,  that  from  my  conversation 
with  Samuel  Marshall,  I  took  him  to  be  a  man  actuated  by 
religious  principles,  but  not  possessing  an  enlightened  under- 
standing on  these  subjects;  one  who  endeavoured  to  do,  as 
far  as  he  knew  it,  his  duty;  which  he  had  so  remarkably 
shown,  in  risking  his  own  life  to  save  the  lives  of  others, 
particularly  in  the  instance  of  the  women,  who  were  poor, 
and  unable  to  remunerate  him.     I  was  strongly  reminded, 
in  hearing  of  his  deliverance,  of  these  words  of  Scripture, 
"  with  the  merciful  Thou  wilt  show  Thyself  merciful."    The 
poor  man  said,  also,  that  he  prayed  constantly  when  the  salt 
water  was  not  in  his  mouth,  which  showed  on  the  one  hand, 
his  value  for  prayer,  and  on  the  other,  his  ignorance  in  sup- 
posing that  when  he  could  not  speak,  he  would  not  be  equally 
heard  by  Him,  who  knoweth  the  most  secret  desire  of  the 
heart.     However,  as  I  doubt  not  his  prayers  were  offered  in 
sincerity,  they  appear  to  have  been  accepted  and  answered. 
He  was  carried  home  to  his  sorrowful  wife,  who  had  heard 
of  the  beat  being  lost,  and  did  not  know  that  her  husband 
was  saved. 

The  mother  of  one  of  the  other  men,  I  found  in  the  deepest 
distress,  almost  out  of  her  mind.  I  tried  to -pour  a  little 
balm  into  her  deep  wounds,  by  endeavouring  to  lead  her  to 
look  to  Him,  who  can  alone  heal  and  help  in  our  greatest 
trials. 

Upton  Lane,  Eleventh  Month,  1C<//. — I  felt  greatly  helped 
in  the  quiet  performance  of  my  duties  yesterday,  up  to  a 
certain  time,  when,  I  believe,  I  gave  way  a  little  to  natural 


444  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1831. 

infirmity  about  a  trifle,  and  found  how  soon  a  cloud  may  be 
brought  over  the  best  principle,  and  what  care  and  watchful- 
ness is  needed;  and  if  there  be  the  least  fall,  how  necessary 
immediately  to  have  recourse  to  the  justifying  principle  of 
faith,  that  no  further  separation  take  place  from  good.  I 
fully  believe,  that  our  spiritual  enemy  remains  the  accuser  of 
the  brethren,  and  endeavours,  when  he  sees  those,  who  desire 
to  serve  the  Lord  give  way,  even  in  a  trifle,  to  take  advantage 
of  it  to  discourage  them,  and  further  to  insinuate  himself 
into  their  hearts.  It  is,  I  believe,  one  of  the  most  important 
points  in  the  Christian  life,  if  we  find  ourselves  tripping  in 
thought,  word,  or  deed,  immediately  to  fly  to  the  fountain 
that  is  set  open  for  the  unclean,  that  we  may  at  once  be 
cleansed,  and  obtain  peace  with  God,  through  our  Lord  and 
Saviour  Jesus  Christ.  Oh  !  for  a  little  help  this  day  to 
come  to  the  living  fountain,  that  I  may  be  fitted  for  my 
Master's  service,  and  enter  it  with  a  quiet  mind.  Lord,  let 
it  be  so ! 

Twelfth  Month,  20/A. — I  am  once  more  favoured,  after 
being  far  from  well,  with  a  renewal  of  health  and  power,  to 
enter  my  usual  engagements,  public  and  private.  Yesterday 
I  went  to  town, — first  attended  the  Newgate  Committee, 
then,  the  British  Society,  which  was  very  encouraging  to 
me ;  there  were  many  present,  of  different  denominations  of 
Christians,  and  a  sweet  feeling  of  love  and  unity  pervaded  the 
whole.  Elizabeth  Dudley  spoke  in  a  lively  manner,  and  I 
had  to  pray.  There  is  still  much  ground  for  encouragement 
in  the  prison  cause,  I  believe  a  seed  is  sown  in  it,  that  will 
grow  and  flourish,  I  trust,  when  some  of  us  are  laid  low.  It 
is  a  work  that  brings  with  it  a  peculiar  feeling  of  blessing  and 
peace  ;  may  the  Most  Iligh  continue  to  prosper  it !  After- 
wards, I  went  to  Clapham  to  visit  a  poor,  dying,  converted 
Jew,  who  had  sent  a  letter  to  beg  me  to  go  and  see  him ; 
my  visit  was  highly  interesting.  I  often  wish  for  the  pen  of 
a  ready  writer,  and  the  pencil  of  an  artist,  to  picture  some 
of  the  scenes  that  I  am  brought  into.  A  man  of  a  pleasing 


1831.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH     FRY.  445 

countenance,  greatly  emaciated,  lying  on  a  little  white  bed, 
all  clean  and  in  order,  his  Bible  by  his  side,  and  animated, 
almost  beyond  description,  at  seeing  me ;  he  kissed  my  hand, 
the  tears  came  into  his  eyes,  his  poor  face  flushed,  and  he 
was  ready  almost  to  raise  himself  out  of  his  bed.  I  sat 
down,  and  tried  to  quiet  him,  and  by  degrees  succeeded. 
We  had  a  very  interesting  conversation ;  he  had  been  in  the 
practice  of  frequently  attending  my  readings  at  Newgate, 
apparently  with  great  attention  ;  latterly,  I  had  not  seen  him, 
and  was  ready  to  suppose,  that,  like  many  others,  his  zeal 
was  of  short  duration ;  but  I  had  lately  heard  that  he  had 
been  ill.  He  is  one  of  those  Jews,  who  have  felt  perfectly 
liberated  from  keeping  any  part  of  the  Law  of  Moses,  which 
some  other  converted  Jews  yet  consider  themselves  bound  to 
observe.  I  found,  when  he  used  to  come  so  often  to  New- 
gate, that  he  was  a  man  of  good  moral  character,  seeking  the 
truth.  But  to  go  on  with  my  story — in  our  conversation,  he 
said,  that  he  felt  great  peace,  no  fear  of  death,  and  a  full 
reliance  upon  his  Saviour  for  salvation ;  he  said  that  his 
visits  to  Newgate  had  been  to  him  beyond  going  to  any 
church — indeed,  I  little  knew  how  much  was  going  on  in  his 
heart.  He  requested  me  to  read  a  Psalm  that  I  had  read 
one  day  in  Newgate,  the  107th.  This  I  did,  and  he  appeared 
deeply  to  feel  it,  particularly  as  my  dear  friends  and  I  made 
our  little  remarks,  in  Christian  freedom,  as  we  went  along, 
truly,  I  believe,  in  the  life.  The  poor  Jew  prayed  very  stri- 
kingly ;  I  followed  him,  and  returned  thanks ;  what  a  sol- 
emn, uniting  time  it  was  !  The  poor  Jew  said,  "  God  is  a 
spirit,  and  they  that  worship  Him,  must  worship  Him  in 
spirit  and  in  truth,"  as  if  he  felt  the  spirituality  of  the  Chris- 
tian administration.  His  countenance  lightened  with  apparent 
joy,  when  he  expressed  his  undoubted  belief  that  he  should 
soon  enter  the  kingdom,  and  that  I  should,  before  long,  fol- 
low him ;  then  he  gave  me  his  blessing,  and  took  leave  in 
much  tenderness,  showing  every  mark  he  could,  of  gratitude 
and  love.  He  did  not  accept  any  gift  of  money,  saying  that 


446  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1832. 

he  wanted  no  good  thing,  as  he  was  most  kindly  provided 
for  by  serious  persons  in  the  neighbourhood.  After  about  two 
weeka  I  received  an  account  of  the  peaceful  end  of  this  poor 
Jew. 

Upton,  Second  Month,  21«£,  1832. — We  have  lately  been 
brought  to  feel  very  seriously  the  approach  of  the  cholera  to 
our  own  borders,  as  it  is  said  to  have  been  as  near  as  Lime- 
house.  I  have  not  generally  felt  any  agitating  fear,  but 
rather  the  weight  of  the  thing,  and  desirous  that  it  should 
prove  a  stimulus  to  seek  more  diligently  after  eternal  things, 
and  to  be  ready,  spiritually,  for  whatever  may  await  us ;  and 
outwardly  to  use  all  proper  precautions.  I  have  desired 
earnestly,  that  we  should  do  our  very  utmost  to  protect  our 
poor  neighbours,  by  administering  to  their  many  wants.  This 
led  me  to  make  some  efforts  with  some  of  our  women  Friends, 
also  with  some  other  kind  and  influential  people,  and  al- 
though perhaps,  thought  by  some  a  busybody  in  it,  yet  more 
has  been  already  accomplished,  than  I  could  have  looked  for. 
In  such  works  of  charity,  I  always  desire  to  be  preserved 
from  a  forward  spirit,  or  an  over  active  one,  yet  on  the  other 
hand,  when  I  feel  any  thing  laid  upon  me,  as  I  did  in  this 
instance,  I  feel  much  bound  to  work  in  it,  even  through  some 
discouragement  and  opposition  ;  I  mostly  find  in  such  cases, 
that  way  has  been  made  for  me,  as  if  He,  who  called  me  to 
the  work,  was  indeed  with  me  in  it. 

It  was  a  remarkable  trait  in  the  character  of  this  highly 
gifted  woman,  that,  when  once  she  had  undertaken  to  perform 
what  she  believed  to  be  her  duty,  no  discouragement  deterred 
her  from  pursuing  it ;  no  obstacle  appeared  to  her  to  be  in- 
surmountable. She  laboured  on  with  a  quiet,  patient  perse- 
verance, until  she  saw  it  accomplished — yet  she  trusted  not 
in  her  own  strength — she  committed  herself  and  her  cause 
to  the  disposal  of  the  Lord. 

Third  Month,  21s/. — To-day  is  proclaimed  a  "fast-day" 
on  account  of  the  cholera ;  it  is  one  of  those  occasions,  in 


1832.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  447 

the  observance  of  which  we  must  each  follow  our  own  con- 
sciences. If  the  government  of  a  country  could  make  a 
people  keep  a  day  really  holy  unto  the  Lord,  in  real  fasting, 
penitence  and  prayer,  much  good  would  result ;  but  this,  no 
government  can  do ;  and  I  fear  that  the  present  will  rather 
be  made  a  day  of  lightness  and  recreation.  However,  those 
wno  do  keep  it  seriously,  I  trust  will  be  blessed  in  so  doing, 
and  their  prayers  answered,  and  that  this  awful  disease  may 
be  (if  right  for  us)  checked  in  its  progress. 

I  rather  feel  having  to  go  before  the  Committee  of  the 
House  of  Commons,  on  the  subject  of  prisons.  May  any 
good  to  this  important  cause  be  done  by  it,  and  may  I  be 
helped  to  do  my  part  with  simplicity,  as  unto  God,  and  not 
unto  man ! 

The  object  of  this  Committee,  was  to  ascertain  the  best 
mode  of  Secondary  Punishment,  so  as  to  be  the  most  effec- 
tual in  repressing  crime. 

We  proceed  with  extracts  from  the  journal. 

Upton  Lane,  Sixth  Month,  3rd. — We  have  just  concluded 
the  Yearly  Meeting.  It  has  been,  in  some  respects,  a  marked 

one,  and  I  hope  an  instructive  one I  had  to  speak 

twice  in  the  Meetings ;  once  in  the  first  Meeting,  acknow- 
ledging the  loving-kindness  and  tender  mercy  of  our  God 
as  manifested  to  us  during  the  year  that  was  passed,  and  what 
an  inducement  it  should  be  to  love  and  faithfulness.  I  had 
particularly  to  make  allusion  to  the  cholera  not  having  made 
further  devastations  amongst  us.  I  had,  in  another  Meeting, 
in  a  similar  manner  to  return  thanks,  and  pray  for  us,  as  a 
Society,  and  for  the  Universal  Church.  I  also  had,  from  a 
deep  feeling  of  duty,  to  express  my  thankfulness,  that  the 
Christian  standard  had  been  upheld  amongst  us  so  much  en- 
couragement given  to  read  the  Scriptures,  and  attend  to 
their  holy  precepts  ;  but  I  felt  a  fear,  whether  the  influence 
of  the  Holy  Spirit,  as  our  guide,  had  been  quite  enough 


448  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FEY.  [1832. 

dwelt  upon,  which,  as  a  fundamental  part  of  our  principles, 
I  trusted  we  should  ever  maintain.  I  also  expressed  my  de- 
sire, that  the  fruits  of  the  Spirit  should  be  more  manifest 
amongst  us,  not  only  in  our  peculiar  testimonies,  but  in  the 
subjection  of  our  tempers  and  wills,  which  I  thought  to  be 
much  wanted,  fearing  that  some  maintained  our  testimonies, 
more  from  expediency  than  principle,  which  produced  great 
inconsistency  of  conduct.  I  then  added  my  earnest  hope, 
that  individually  and  collectively,  we  should  stand  open  to 
improvement,  making  this  our  prayer:  "  That  which  I  see 
not,  teach  Thou  me ;"  that  we  should  be  willing  to  be  taught 
of  God  immediately  and  instrumentally,  that  our  light  might 
shine  brighter  and  brighter  to  the  perfect  day. 

Qth. — I  yesterday  was  favoured  to  get  through  the  British 
Society  Meeting.  It  was,  to  me,  a  very  serious  occasion  ; 
our  different  reports  were  highly  satisfactory  and  encour- 
aging ;  but  I  felt  it  laid  upon  me  to  speak  so  decidedly  on 
some  points,  that  I  could  not  fully  enjoy  it.  After  the  Bri- 
tish Society  report  was  read,  I  first  endeavoured  to  show  the 
extreme  importance  of  the  work  in  which  we  were  engaged, 
and  the  best  means  of  producing  the  desired  effect,  of  reform- 
ing the  criminal ;  but  what  most  deeply  impressed  me  was, 
considering  the  awful  extent  of  existing  crime,  and  the  suf- 
fering and  sorrow  produced  by  it — how  far  the  conduct  of 
the  higher  classes  may  influence  that  of  the  lower,  and  tend 
in  many  ways  to  the  increase  of  evil,  by  ladies  not  setting  a 
religious  example  to  their  servants,  nor  instructing  them  in 
the  right  way ;  by  not  keeping  the  Sabbath  strictly, — by 
very  late  hours,  and  attending  public  places, — by  vanity  in 
dress,  and  by  hurrying  mantua-makers  and  milliners,  and  so 
causing  them  to  oppress  and  overwork  their  young  women — 
by  not  paying  their  bills  themselves,  or  through  some  confi- 
dential person,  but  trusting  them  to  young  or  untried  servants, 
thus  leading  to  dishonesty  on  their  part,  or  that  of  the  trades- 
people,— by  allowing  their  maid-servants  or  char-women  to 
begin  to  wash  at  unseasonable  hours,  and  consequently  to 


1832.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  449 

require  ardent  spirits  to  support  them.  Then  I  represented 
how  much  they  might  do  to  promote  good  and  discourage 
evil,  by  educating  the  poor  religiously,  in  infant  and  other 
schools,  by  watching  over  girls  after  they  leave  schools,  until 
placed  in  service,  and  by  providing  for  them  suitable  religious, 
instructive,  and  entertaining  books ;  also  by  forming  libraries 
in  hospitals,  and  workhouses,  and  by  preventing  the  intro- 
duction of  irreligious  and  light  books.  I  also  urged  the 
establishment  of  district  societies.  These  things  I  had  for- 
cibly and  freely  to  express,  showing  the  blessings  of  promoting 
good,  and  the  woe  of  encouraging  evil. 

In  the  Seventh  Month,  Elizabeth  Fry,  together  with  her 
sister-in-law,  visited,  with  certificates  from  their  Monthly 
Meeting,  the  Half-year's  Meeting  in  Wales,  and  some  places 
in  Ireland. 

In  the  retrospect  she  writes : — 

Ninth  Month,  18th. — We  returned  home  from  our  journey 
last  Sixth-day  evening,  having  been  absent  just  five  weeks. 
We  visited  several  places  in  the  south  of  Ireland,  a  good 
many  in  Wales,  and  some  in  England.  I  think  I  never  re- 
member taking  a  journey,  in  which  it  was  more  frequently 
sealed  to  my  own  mind,  that  we  were  in  our  right  places ; 
through  much  difficulty,  our  way  was  opened  to  go,  and  to 
continue  out.  Though  I  believe  we  have  scripture  authority 
for  it — still  further  confirmed  by  the  internal  evidence  of 
the  power  of  the  Spirit,  and  its  external  results, — yet,  I  am 
obliged  to  walk  by  faith,  rather  than  sight,  in  going  about 
as  a  woman,  in  the  work  of  the  ministry ;  it  is,  to  my  nature, 
u  great  humiliation,  and  I  often  feel  it  to  be  "foolishness," 
particularly  in  large  Public  Meetings,  before  entering  upon 
the  service ;  but  generally,  when  engaged  in  the  ministry,  I 
find  such  an  unction,  and  so  much  opening  upon  Christian 
doctrine  and  practice,  that  after  a  Meeting,  I  mostly  say  in 
my  heart,  "It  is  the  Lord's  doing,  and  marvellous  in  our 
57 


450  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1833. 

eyes.  '  Such  was  often  the  case  in  this  journey.  I  felt 
amongst  Friends  in  Ireland,  as  if  my  service  was  to  lead 
them  from  all  external  dependence,  either  on  their  member- 
ship in  the  Society,  their  high  profession,  or  their  peculiar 
testimonies,  and  to  show,  that  these  things  are  only  good  as 
they  spring  from  simple  Christian  faith  and  practice,  and 
avail  nothing,  unless  the  heart  be  really  changed  and  cleansed 
from  sin,  though  I  believed  that  these  things  would  follow 
as  the  result,  to  those  who  fill  the  important  place  in  the 
church,  that  in  my  opinion,  Friends  are  called  to  occupy. 
Above  everything  else,  I  endeavoured  to  lead  all  to  the  grand 
foundation  of  Christian  faith  and  practice.  My  dear  sister 
was  much  led  in  the  same  line  of  ministry. 

Dagenham,  Tenth  Month,  3rd. — Here  am  I  sitting  in  soli- 
tude, keeping  silence  before  the  Lord ;  on  the  wedding-day 
of  my  beloved  son  William.  As  I  could  not  conscientiously 
attend  the  marriage,  I  believed  it  right  to  withdraw  for  the 
day.  Words  appear  very  inadequate  to  express  the  earnest- 
ness— -the  depth  of  my  supplication  for  him  and  for  his — 
that  the  blessing  of  the  Most  High  may  rest  upon  them. 

The  notice  of  this  day  concludes  as  follows; — 

As  for  myself,  I  sit  solitary,  in  many  things,  but  I  thought 
to-day  (from  this  wedding  bringing  these  things  home  to 
me) — Have  I  not  my  Lord  as  my  friend  and  my  comforter  ? 
and  is  He  not  as  a  husband  to  all  the  members  of  His 
church  ?  and  am  I  not  often  satisfied  and  refreshed  by  His 
love? 

Several  months  of  the  summer  and  autumn  of  1833,  were 
passed  by  Elizabeth  Fry  and  her  family,  at  a  quiet  retreat  in 
the  island  of  Jersey.  She  needed  rest,  and  her  health  had 
suffered  from  the  pressure  of  care  and  anxiety.  The  genial 
climate — the  beauty  of  the  scenery — the  luxuriance  of  the 
productions — the  prosperity  of  the  inhabitants — the  refine- 


1833.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  451 

ment  and  intellectual  cultivation  of  the  upper  classes — com- 
bined with  simplicity  of  habit,  and,  in  many  instances,  with 
true  piety  and  active  benevolence,  rendered  the  period  of 
her  residence  in  Jersey  one  of  peculiar  refreshment  and 
pleasure.  With  her  husband  and  children,  and  a  few  of 
her  intimate  friends,  she  would  often  spend  the  day  in  the 
remote  parts  of  the  island,  amongst  the  secluded  and  romantic 
bays  of  its  northern  coast.  The  little  party  would  picnic  in 
the  open  air,  or,  as  was  then  a  very  common  practice,  in  one 
of  the  empty  rooms  of  the  small  barracks  scattered  round 
the  coast ;  left  under  the  care  of  some  old  invalided  soldier  and 
his  family.  On  these  occasions,  the  tract  bag  was  not  for- 
gotten— whilst  the  rest  of  the  party  were  sketching  or  walk- 
ing, she  would  visit  the  cottagers,  and  making  herself  as  well 
understood  as  their  antique  Norman  dialect  permitted,  would 
give  her  little  French  books,  and  offer  the  kind  word  of  sym- 
pathy or  exhortation.  Alive  to  the  beautiful,  especially  to 
the  picturesque,  the  peculiarities  of  the  Jersey  Cottage  and 
its  inmates  were  all  observed  and  enjoyed  by  her. 

Amidst  these  scenes,  the  summer  passed  away,  but  higher 
and  more  important  objects  were  not  unheeded.  There  was 
in  the  island,  a  little  band  of  persons,  in  very  humble  life, 
who  professed  the  principles  of  Friends,  one  or  two  only, 
however,  being  members  of  the  Society.  They  assembled  for 
worship  on  the  First-day  morning,  in  the  cottage  of  Jean 
llenaud,  an  old  patriarch,  residing  on  the  sea  shore,  about  a 
mile  from  the  town  of  "St."  Heliers.  There  was  a  quaint, 
old-fashioned  effect  about  the  low  large  room  in  which  they 
assembled,  whilst  from  large  bundles  of  herbs,  suspended 
from  the  beams  to  dry,  a  flower  or  a  leaf  would  occasionally 
drop  upon  those  sitting  below. 

The  appearance  of  the  congregation  was  in  keeping  with 
the  apartment,  seated  on  planks,  supported  by  temporary 
props.  An  antique  four-post  bedstead  stood  in  one  corner; 
when  the  mistress  of  the  house  died,  which  occurred  during 
their  eojourn  in  Jersey,  she  was  there  laid  out,  a  circumstance 


452  LIFE    OF    ELIZA  BETH     FUY.  [1833. 

which  did  not  prevent  the  Meeting  assembling  as  usual ;  the 
drawn  curtains  screening  the  corpse  from  view.  High-backed 
chairs  were  prepared  for  the  seniors  of  the  assembly,  the 
younger  members  of  Elizabeth  Fry's  family  appropriating  to 
themselves  the  window-seat.    The  novelty  of  the  occasion  was 
increased  by  the  English  ministry  having  to  be  interpreted, 
to  render  it  comprehensible  to  the  greater  part  of  the  hearers. 
Nor  were  the  Afternoon  Meetings  much  less  peculiar. 
They  also  were  held  at  a  private  house,  situated  in  the 
suburbs  of  the  town ;  but  the  heat  in-doors  being  consider- 
able, the  congregation  not  unfrequently  moved  to  the  small 
walled  garden,   and  sat  beneath  the  shade  of  some  ever- 
greens.    This,  however,  was  found  practically  so  inconve- 
nient, that  a  room  in  the  town  was  engaged  for  the  purpose, 
and  properly  fitted  up.     There,  until  Elizabeth  Fry  left  the 
island,  large  congregations  assembled,  including  many  of  the 
gentry  and  principal  inhabitants  ;  these  meetings  were  ex- 
ceedingly solemn  and  ins-tructive.    She  was  greatly  helped  by 
the  company  of  her  sister-in-law,  Elizabeth  Fry,  with  her 
friend  and  companion,  Rebecca  Sturges.     Philanthropic  ob- 
jects also  presented  themselves  to  her  notice,  especially  the 
state  of  the  Hospital,  including  the  Workhouse  and  Lunatic 
Asylum,  and  the  Prison.     Acts  of  the  British  Parliament 
have  no  power  in  the  Channel  Islands ;  as  part  of  the  ancient 
Duchy  of  Normandy,  they  are  governed  by  their  own  laws 
and  customs.     None  of  the  recent  improvements  in  Prison 
Disipline  had  been  effected  in  Jersey.     After  repeatedly 
visiting  the  Prison,  and  communicating  with  the  authorities — 
she  believed  it  the  best  course  to  have  a  letter  which  she  had 
addressed  to  them  printed  for  circulation.     This  document 
was  very  remarkable  for  its  evidences  of  her  wisdom  and  ex- 
perience. 

Eighth  Month,  12th. — We  feel  much  at  home  in  this  lovely 
island,  and  in  rather  a  remarkable  manner,  our  way  opens  in 
*he  hearts  of  those  amongst  whom  we  are  residing.  A  very 


1833.]  LIFE  OP  ELIZABETH   FRY.  453 

extensive  field  of  service  appears  before  us,  in  many  ways. 
To  try  thoroughly  to  attend  to  the  prisoners — to  strive  to 
correct  evils  in  the  hospital — to  assist,  in  various  ways,  the 
Friends  and  those  who  attend  Meeting — to  visit  several  in 
Christian  love,  and  try  to  draw  them  nearer  together — oh ! 
gracious  Lord,  grant  Thy  poor  unworthy  servant  the  help  of 
Thy  Spirit,  to  do  Thy  will,  and  let  not  her  labour  be  in  vain 
in  Thee,  her  Lord  and  her  God  ;  but  through  Thy  unmerited 
mercy  in  Christ  Jesus,  grant  that  her  way  may  be  made  very 
clear  before  her,  and  ability  given  her  to  walk  in  it,  to  Thy 
praise,  her  own  peace,  and  the  real  edification  of  those 
among  whom  her  lot  may  be  cast.  Amen ! 

How  wonderfully  did  the  capacious  mind  of  this  extraor- 
dinary woman  embrace  every  object  that  appeared  to  require 
assistance,  or  to  need  amelioration  ;  and  how  instructive  was 
the  deep  humility  and  holy  fear  in  which  she  was  preserved, 
as  well  as  her  dependence  on  divine  direction  and  help. 

To  a  daughter  and  son-in-law  preparing  to  leave  England 
for  Madeira,  in  consequence  of  the  latter*  being  in  delicate 
health,  she  writes  from  Jersey,  as  follows : — 

Eighth  Month,  25th,  1833. 
My  much  loved  Children, 

I  fully  expect  one  more  opportunity  of  writing  to  you,  before 
you  leave  England,  but  as  our  communications  are  now  likely 
to  be  very  seldom,  I  mean  to  take  every  opportunity  to  pour 
out  my  heart  to  you.  I  am,  I  hope,  thankful  to  say,  though 
truly  and  deeply  touching  to  me,  peaceful  and  satisfied  about 
your  proposed  very  important  step.  I  remember  Cecil's  re- 
mark, "  we  are  to  follow,  and  not  to  force  Providence,"  and 
as  far  as  we  can  tell,  the  openings  of  Providence  for  you  ap- 
pear to  be  quietly,  hopefully,  and  trustfully,  to  go  forward  in 
your  proposed  plans.  I  live  much  under  the  feeling  that  we 
are  poor,  impotent  creatures,  that  we  cannot  save  each  other, 
spiritually  or  naturally  ;  and  though  nothing,  I  believe,  can, 
*  Since  deceased  from  pulmonary  consumption. 


454  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1833. 

in  feeling,  exceed  a  mother's  love  or  lively  desire  to  servo 
her  children,  yet  how  little  can  she  do  !  in  short  nothing,  but 
as  she  is  helped  from  above  to  do  it,  and  the  same  power  that 
can  help  her,  can  also  work  with,  or  without  His  instruments  ; 
this  I  most  sensibly  feel,  therefore  to  Him,  who  is  the  keeper 
of  His  dependent  ones,  (which  I  believe  you  are)  I  entirely 
commit  you,  body,  soul,  and  spirit.  May  He  "  do  more 
abundantly  for  you,  than  we  can  either  think  or  ask  !  "  I 
desire  for  you,  amidst  the  ups  and  downs,  the  storms  and 
calms,  the  joys  and  sorrows,  that  may  attend  your  course, 
that  your  hearts  may  be  fixed,  trusting  in  God.  It  is  most 
important  to  seek  for  this  fixedness  of  spirit,  which  sustains 
in  trouble,  and  sanctifies  our  enjoyments.  I  have  suffered 
from  too  deeply  and  acutely  feeling  things,  and  from  much 
undue  fearfulness  —  I  wish  my  children  to  guard  against  these 
weaknesses,  and  to  live  more  constantly  in  the  quiet  and 
trustful  spirit.  You  must  expect  some  little  trials  and  diffi- 
culties in  the  voyage,  but  I  trust  they  will  not  be  great. 
Pray  try  to  be  of  use  to  the  crew,  have  tracts,  testaments 
and  psalters,  to  be  got  at  for  them  ;  it  might  be  of  real  use 
to  the  men,  ajid  a  nice  object  of  interest  for  you. 

That  grace,  mercy,  and  peace,  may  be  with  you  both,  is 
the  earnest  desire  and  prayer  of  your  most  loving  mother, 

ELIZABETH  FRY. 


Jersey,  Ninth  Month,  lOZ/i.  —  I  have  much  enjoyed  and 
valued  the  pleasant  retreat  we  have  here.  I  desire,  in  deep 
gratitude,  to  acknowledge  the  renewed  capacity  to  delight  in 
the  wonderful  works  of  God.  The  scenery,  and  feeling  fully 
at  liberty  to  spend  part  of  many  days  in  the  enjoyment  of 
this  beautiful  country  and  weather,  and  my  beloved  husband 
and  children,  has  been  very  sweet  to  me  !  What  has  not 
religion  been  to  me  !  how  wonderful  in  its  operation  !  None 
but  He,  who  knows  the  heart,  can  tell.  Surely  it  has  brought 
me  into  some  deep  humiliations  ;  but  how  has  it  raised  me 
up  !  healed  my,  at  times,  wounded  spirit  ;  given  me  power  to 


1833.]  LlFfc    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  455 

enjoy  my  blessings,  in  what  I  believe  an  unusual  degree,  and 
wonderfully  sustained  me  under  deep  tribulations.  To  me,  it 
is  anything  but  bondage,  since  it  has  brought  me  into  a  delight- 
ful freedom  ;  although  I  had  narrow  places  to  pass  through, 
before  my  boundaries  were  thus  enlarged  ;  so  that  from  ex- 
perience, I  wish  to  be  very  tender  over  those  still  in  bonds. 
Since  the  time  of  rest  on  first  arriving,  my  way  has  re- 
markably opened  to  a  tide  of  service,  of  various  kinds,  as  a 
minister  of  the  gospel,  and  in  philanthropic  concerns.  The 
prison,  hospital,  and  the  formation  of  a  District  Society,  take 
up  much  of  my  attention,  and  visiting  religiously  the  families 
who  attend  the  Friends'  Meeting.  I  have  very  much  felt 
the  weight  of  these  meetings  ;  duty  alone,  and  what  I  believe 
to  be  the  help  of  the  Spirit,  would  carry  me  through  such 
services,  for  which  I  am  so  totally  unfit  and  unworthy.  My 
dear  sister  and  Rebecca  Sturges  have  lately  been  with  us, 
and  I  have  valued  their  company. 

Elizabeth  Fry  spent  a  few  days  in  Guernsey,  closely  em- 
ployed as  usual  in  doing  good. 

The  most  important  work  which  she  accomplished  in  that 
island,  .was  establishing  "  the  St.  Peter's  Port  Provident  and 
District  Society."  It  is  spoken  of,  at  the  present  time,  in 
Guernsey,  as  being  "  a  real  blessing  to  the  poor  of  the  com- 
munity, not  only  in  having  administered  to  their  temporal 
wants  in  sickness  or  accidents,  but  also  in  having  greatly  im- 
proved their  domestic  comforts  and  moral  character,  by  in- 
culcating frugal  and  temperate  habits." 

On  her  return  to  Jersey  she  writes,  under  feeling  of  much 
sorrow — 

25f/j. — On  Seventh-day  evening,  in  the  midst  of  a  very 
large  party,  our  letters  arrived  ;  some  from  our  dearest  Han- 
nah of  a  very  touching  nature  ;  she-had  suffered  so  extremely 
on  her  voyage  (to  Madeira)  as  to  bring  on  her  confinement 
on  board  ship.  Her  child  died,  aud  her  sufferings  appear 


456  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1833 

to  have  been  extreme.  The  whole  account  was  exceedingly 
affecting  to  me.  But  I  desire  to  look  above  the  agency  of 
man,  to  Him,  without  whom  not  a  sparrow  falls  to  the  ground, 
who  orders  all  things  in  love,  as  well  as  in  wisdom.  My 
trust  must  be  complete,  my  reliance  entire,  my  hope  con- 
tinual. Lord,  as  all  my  springs  are  in  Thee,  I  pray  Thee 
daily,  hourly,  minutely,  increase  and  renew  my  faith,  pa- 
tience, reliance,  and  hope,  that  I  may  never  cast  away  my 
confidence,  but  that  my  soul  may  follow  hard  after  Thee, 
even  unto  the  end. 

The  time  had  now  arrived  to  return  home.  She  received 
accounts  from  England  that  called  forth  much  anxiety. 
Several  of  her  children  required  her  attention.  Her  daugh- 
ter Cresswell  was  seriously  ill. 

Lynn,  Eleventh  Month,  1.2th. — I  left  Jersey  in  the  steam- 
boat for  Southampton.  Parting,  with  many  beloved  friends 
there,  I  felt  much.  It  is  a  place  and  people  in  which  I  have 
taken  great  interest :  I  also  felt  the  uncertainty  of  the  prospect 
before  me,  and  in  what  state  I  should  find  my  beloved  child. 
I  was  much  cast  down,  the  wind  rather  high,  and  evidently 
rising.  My  maid  and  child  quickly  became  ill,  as  did  even 
our  little  dog.  The  passengers,  one  after  another,  almost  all 
in  the  same  state.  The  day  gloomy,  only  now  and  then  a  ray 
of  sunshine  to  enliven  us.  I  remained,  through  mercy,  quite 
well.  We  stopped  at  Guernsey,  where  I  found,  to  my  en- 
couragement, some  of  my  objects  really  prospering,  and  I 
was  much  pleased  to  hear  that  the  School  was  established  in 
the  island  of  Herm.  We  dined  whilst  in  the  harbour  there. 
Afterwards  the  weather  became  so  boisterous,  my  cold  so  in- 
different, and  my  poor  boy  so  ill,  that  I  remained  in  the  cabin 
the  whole  evening,  and  a  low  time  it  was ;  fears  got  hold  of 
me  that  I  should  never  -see  Rachel  again  alive ;  but  on  the 
other  hand  I  knew  that  I  had  a  merciful  Lord  to  deal  with, 
who  heard  my  prayers,  knew  my  weakness,  and  I  believed 


1833.]  LIFE   OF   ELIZABETH    FRY.  457 

would  not  permit  so  overwhelming  an  affliction  to  overtake 
me.  I  desired  humbly  and  patiently  to  trust.  I  felt  the 
seriousness  of  our  situation  in  the  high  wind,  but  was  ena- 
bled entirely  to  leave  it  to  Him,  who  orders  all  things  well. 
"We  arrived  at,  Southampton  the  next  morning ;  I  was 
much  cast  down  and  overdone,  and  during  the  journey  to 
London,  I  had  almost  an  inexpressible  feeling  of  fatigue. 
I  found  rather  a  better  account  from  Lynn,  to  my  unspeak- 
able relief. 

From  the  accounts  continuing  better,  Elizabeth  Fry  was, 
for  a  day  or  two,  able  to  rest  in  the  neighbourhood  of  London. 

Then  she  pursued  her  way  to  Lynn,  where,  for  six  weeks 
she  remained,  devoted  to  her  daughter,  and  to  that  devotion, 
guided  by  singular  skill,  and  blessed  by  the  providence  of 
God,  was  apparently  to  be  attributed  her  child's  gradual 
restoration  to  health.  From  Lynn  she  wrote  to  her  youngest 
daughter,  then  with  the  others  of  the  party  just  returned 
home. 

Lynn,  Eleventh  Month,  1833. 
My  dearest  Louisa, 

I  feel  inclined  to  write  thee  a  few  lines  of  salutation  on 
thy  return  home.  Thy  sister  and  thyself  have  very  important 
places  to  fill,  although  they  may  differ ;  and  as  I  have  told  her 
my  mind,  I  mean  to  do  the  same  to  thee — remember  these 
words,  "  be  sober,  be  vigilant."  At  thy  important  age  much 
depends  on  not  letting  the  mind  out,  if  I  may  so  express 
myself:  it  is  a  period  of  life  when  this  is  natural — various 
prospects  in  life  may  float  before  the  view;  but  how  infinitely 
important  to  know  the  heart  to  bo  staid  upon  God,  and  to 
find  it  meat  and  drink  to  be  doing  His  will — how  important 
to  attend  to  present  duties  ;  this  is  the  best  preparation  for 
the  future,  whatever  that  future  may  be. — I  see  that  much 
devolves  on  thee  ;  thou  hast  not  only  to  look  to  thy  own  soul, 
but  younger  ones  are  looking  up  to  thee,  whom,  I  believe, 
thou  mayst  be  the  means  of  winning  to  Christ. 
58 


458  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1833. 

To  the  daughter  whom  she  had  so  long  nursed,  she  wrote, 
after  her  return  home  : — 

The  better  accounts  of  thee  are  certainly  very  encouraging, 
and  set  me  more  at  rest  about  thee  ;  still,  my  beloved  child, 
I  feel  thou  needest  my  sympathy  and  prayers :  there  is  much 
to  feel,  even  if  it  pleases  Providence  quite  to  raise  thee  up 
again :  there  is  much  to  go  through.  I  have  often  found,  in 
recovering  from  long  and  severe  illness,  and  entering  life 
again,  that  our  enemies  spiritually  are  yet  lively  and  strong, 
and  even,  we  may  say,  after  the  "  Beast  has  had  a  deadly 
wound,  it  still  lives :"  I  know  this  by  my  own  experience. 


1834-1838.  Visit  to  Dorset  and  Hants — Isle  of  Wight — Journey  to 
Scotland — Death  of  the  Duke  of  Gloucester — Letter — Coast  Guard 
Libraries — Examination  before  the  Committee  of  the  IIouso  of 
Lords — Journey  along  the  Southern  Coast  of  England — Crosses  to 
Jersey  and  Guernsey — Libraries  for  Packet  Ships  at  Falmouth — 
For  Shepherds  at  Salisbury  Plain — Death  of  a  sister-in-law — Reli- 
gious engagements  in  Sussex — Visit  to  Dublin — Unpleasant  Voyage 
to  Guernsey — Illness  and  death  of  her  sister  Louisa  Hoare — Death 
of  King  William  IV. — Of  a  sister-in-law — Departure  of  her  brother 
J.  J.  Gurney  for  America — Visits  Paris — Meeting  in  Westminster — 
Journey  to  Scotland — Religious  engagements  in  Surrey,  Essex, 
&c. — Renewed  prospect  of  visiting  France. 

Fourth  Month,  \st,  1834. — I  am  likely  to  leave  home  to- 
day for  religious  service  in  Dorset  and  Hants.  Oh,  Lord  ! 
I  pray  Thee  be  with  me,  and  anoint  me  for  Thy  work,  that 
it  may  be  fully  to  Thy  praise,  the  edification  of  those  I  go 
amongst,  and  to  my  own  help  and  peace  ;  and  be  pleased  to 
keep  my  children  and  family  during  my  absence.  Grant 
this,  dearest  Lord,  for  Thine  own  name  sake.  Amen. 

12*/i. — I  returned  yesterday  from  my  expedition,  which  1 
may  thankfully  say,  proved  very  satisfactory. 

She  was  accompanied  on  this  journey  by  her  friend  Wil- 
liam Forster,  and  her  nieces  Priscilla  Buxton  and  Priscilla 
Gurney.  Her  aunt's  address  and  manner  on  that  occasion, 
and  the  impressions  made  upon  her  own  mind,  arc  admirably 
described  by  one  of  them ;  being  at  the  time,  in  very  deli- 
cate health,  she  was,  perhaps,  the  more  sensitively  alive  to 
her  aunt's  peculiar  powers  of  soothing. 

(459) 


4GO  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1834. 

"  There  was  no  weakness,  or  trouble  of  mind  or  body,  which 
might  not  safely  be  unveiled  to  her.  Whatever  various  or  oppo- 
site views,  feelings,  or  wishes,  might  be  confided  to  her,  all  came 
out  again,  tinged  with  her  own  loving,  hopeful  spirit.  Bitterness 
of  every  kind  died,  when  entrusted  to  her;  it  never  re-appeared. 
The  most  favourable  construction  possible  was  always  put  upon 
every  transaction.  No  doubt  her  failing  lay  this  way;  but  did  it 
not  give  her  and  her  example  a  wonderful  influence  ?  Was  it  not 
the  very  secret  of  her  power  with  the  wretched  and  degraded  pri- 
soners? She  always  could  see  hope  for  every  one;  she  invariably 
found,  or  made  some  point  of  light.  The  most  abandoned  must 
have  felt  that  she  did  not  despair  for  them,  either  for  this  world, 
or  another,  and  this  it  was  that  made  her  irresistible. 

"At  Southampton,  time  and  opportunity  were  rather  unexpectedly 
afforded  for  an  excursion  to  the  Isle  of  Wight.  I  think  she  under- 
took it  chiefly  for  the  sake  of  pleasing  Priscilla  Gurney  and  my- 
self ;  but  it  had  important  consequences.  We  travelled  round  by 
Shanklin,  Bonchurch,  and  the  Undercliff.  She  was  zealous  as  we, 
in  the  enjoyment  of  the  scenery  and  the  wild  flowers;  but  the 
next  day,  on  reaching  Freshwater,  she  was  fatigued  and  remained 
to  rest,  whilst  we  went  to  see  Alum  Bay.  On  our  return,  we  were 
told  she  had  walked  out,  and  we  soon  received  a  message,  desiring 
us  to  join  her  at  the  Coast  Guard  Station.  We  found  her  in  her 
element;  pleased  and  giving  pleasure  to  a  large  group,  who  were 
assembled  around  her.  She  entered  with  the  greatest  sympathy 
into  their  somewhat  dreary  position,  inquired  into  their  resources 
for  education  for  their  children,  and  religious  improvement  for 
themselves — found  them  much  in  want  of  books ;  and  from  this 
visit  originated  that  great  undertaking,  of  providing  libraries  for 
attthe  Coast  Guard  Stations  in  Great  Britain — an  undertaking  full 
of  difficulties,  but  in  which  her  perseverance  never  relaxed  till  it 
was  accomplished." 

On  a  review  of  this  journey,  Elizabeth  Fry  writes  : 

Upton,  Fourth  Month. — At  Portsmouth,  we  paid  an  in- 
teresting visit  to  the  Haslar  Hospital,  the  Hulks  Hospital 
Ship,  and  some  prisons ;  we  also  paid  a  delightful  little  visit 
to  the  Isle  of  Wight.  I  felt  more  able  to  enjoy  the  great 


1834.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  461 

beauties  of  nature,  from  having  been  owned  by  my  Lord 
and  Master,  in  iny  religious  services.  What  a  relish  does 
true  religion  give  for  our  temporal,  as  well  as  spiritual  bless- 
ings ! 

21st. — Yesterday  (First-day)  I  attended  Meeting,  rather 
oppressed  in  body  and  mind.  Ministered  to  by  dear  Eliza- 
beth Dudley,  but  had  such  heaviness  of  body  as  to  hinder 
spiritual  revival.  In  the  afternoon,  I  went,  accompanied  by 
Elizabeth  Dudley,  Rebecca  Sturges,  and  some  others,  to  visit 
the  female  convict  ship ;  the  sun  shone  brightly,  the  day  de- 
lightful, the  poor  women  rejoiced  to  see  us,  but  my  spirit 
was  in  heaviness,  from  the  difficulty  of  leaving  my  family, 
even  for  a  few  hours,  on  that  day.  It  was  a  fine  sight  to 
see  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  poor  female  convicts,  and 
some  sailors,  standing,  sitting,  and  leaning  round  us,  whilst 
we  read  the  Scriptures  to  them.  I  spoke  to  them,  and  Eliz- 
abeth Dudley  prayed.  Surely,  to  witness  the  solemn  effect, 
the  tears  rolling  down  many  cheeks,  we  must  acknowledge 
it  to  be  the  Lord's  doing ;  still  I  felt  flat,  though  the  others 
thought  it  a  very  satisfactory  time ;  but  in  the  evening  I 
became  more  revived,  and  comforted,  and  thankful  that  it 
has  pleased  the  Lord  to  send  me  to  the  poor  outcasts,  al- 
though, at  times,  feeling  as  if  I  went  more  as  a  machine 
moved  by  springs,  than  in  the  lively  state  I  desire ;  but  at 
other  times  it  is  different,  and  there  is  much  sense  of  light, 
life,  love,  and  power.  To-day,  I  expect  to  go  to  the  Duchess 
of  Gloucester,  and  amongst  some  of  the  high  in  this  life. 
May  the  Lord  be  with  me,  that  my  intercourse  with  these, 
may  not  be  in  vain  in  Him.  I  feel  it  no  light  responsibility, 
having  the  door  so  open  with  the  Government  of  our  coun- 
try, and  those  filling  high  places ;  I  am  often  surprised  to 
find  how  much  so ;  and  yet  the  Lord  only  knows  the  depth 
of  iny  humiliations,  and  how  it  has  been  out  of  the  depths, 
that  1  have  been  raised  up  for  these  services.  At  the  Ad- 
miralty, I  have  lately  had  important  requests  granted  ;  at 
the  Home  Office,  they  are  always  ready  to  attend  to  what  I 


462  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1834. 

ask  ;  and  at  the  Colonial  Office,  I  expect  that  they  will  soon 
make  some  alterations  in  the  arrangements  for  the  female 
convicts  in  New  South  Wales. 

Who  has  thus  turned  the  hearts  of  those  in  authority  ? 
Surely  it  is  the  Lord.  May  He  grant  me  wisdom  and  sound 
discretion,  rightly  to  use  the  influence  He  has  given  me. 
Be  near  to  Thy  servant,  this  day,  gracious  Lord,  in  every 
place ;  and  so  help  her  by  Thy  Spirit,  that  she  may  do  Thy 
will,  and  not  bow  to  man,  but  alone  to  Thee,  her  God;  doing 
all  to  Thy  glory  ! 

24i/t. — We  dined  at  Lord  Bexley's,  and  met  Captain  Man- 
gles, the  great  traveller,  several  clergymen,  and  others.  I 
desired  to  maintain  the  watch,  but  the  company  of  serious, 
intellectual,  and  refined  persons,  is  apt  to  draw  me  a  good 
deal  forth  in  conversation  and  mind,  and  often  leads  me  to 
many  fears  afterwards,  lest  there  should  imperceptibly  be 
any  thing  of  showing  off,  and  being  exalted  by  man ;  but  I 
may  truly  say,  inwardly,  I  mostly  feel  reduced  and  humbled 
after  such  times,  and  fearful,  lest  I  should  have  a  cloud  over 
me,  so  as  to  hinder  my  near  communion  with  my  Lord. 

Upton,  Seventh  Month,  25th. — To-morrow  I  expect  to  set 
off  on  a  journey  into  Scotland.  I  have  taken  an  affecting 
leave  of  my  family,  praying,  that  we  might  again  (if  the  will 
of  God)  be  refreshed  together ;  and  my  way  has  satisfactorily 
opened  to  go. 

Her  husband,  and  two  daughters  preceded  her,  and  awaited 
her  coming  at  Birnam  Inn,  near  Dunkeld. 

She  arrived  there  on  the  5th  of  the  Eighth  Month,  and 
after  giving  her  a  few  days'  rest  from  her  journey,  the  party 
set  off  for  Loch  Tay.  At  Kenmore,  they  enjoyed  a  quiet 
First-day,  and  tolerable  Highland  accommodation.  In  the 
evening,  anxious  to  turn  the  day  to  some  good  account, 
Elizabeth  Fry  invited  the  servants  of  the  inn,  to  attend  the 
reading  which  she  intended  to  have  with  her  own  family.  A 
pretty  large  congregation  assembled. 


1834.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  463 

By  Loch  Tay,  Eighth  Month,  9th,  First-day. — Not  having 
a  Meeting  to  go  to,  and  not  believing  it  right  for  me  to  attend 
any  other  place  of  worship,  I  desire  to  spend  a  time  in  solemn 
searching  of  heart  before  the  Lord,  and  may  I  be  enabled  to 
hold  communion  with  Him  in  spirit.  On  the  morning  of  the 
1st,  the  day  appointed  for  the  liberation  of  all  the  slaves  in 
the  British  dominions,  and  on  which  my  dear  niece,  Priscilla 
Buxton  was  to  be  married,  I  poured  forth  my  soul  in  deep 
supplication  before  my  heavenly  Father,  on  behalf  of  the 
poor  slaves,  that  a  quiet  spirit  might  be  granted  them — that 
their  spiritual  bonds  might  also  be  broken — that  the  liberty 
prepared  for  the  children  of  God  might  be  their  portion.  I 
also  prayed  for  my  beloved  niece  and  her  companion  in  life, 
that  the  Lord  would  be  with  them,  keep  them,  and  bless 
them. 

Edinburgh,  Eighth  Month,  28th. — I  left  my  dearest  hus- 
band and  two  daughters  in  the  Highlands,  as  I  wished  to 
accompany  my  boy  on  his  way  to  England,  and  above  all,  to 
attend  the  Meetings,  see  the  Friends,  and  visit  the  prisons 
here.  I  came  under  the  belief  that  duty  called  me  to  do  so. 
We  experienced  some  danger  in  our  journey,  from  an  acci- 
dent in  a  steam-boat,  but  the  Lord  protected  us.  I  feel  it  to 
be  a  fearful  thing  to  be  here ;  there  arc  many  ministers  be- 
sides me.  Lord,  be  near  to  Thy  servant,  who  is  here  without 
one  relation  or  companion,  and  has  left  all,  for  what  she 
apprehends  to  be  the  call  of  duty.  Guide,  guard,  and  keep 
her,  qualify  her  for  Thine  own  service,  of  whatever  kind  it 
may  be,  to  Thine  own  glory ;  keep  her  eye  very  single  to 
Thyself  and  to  the  direction  of  Thy  Spirit. 

Of  her  engagements  in  Edinburgh  on  this  occasion,  she 
writes,  on  returning  to  her  family  at  Tarbet : — 

% 

I  had  much  to  be  thankful  for,  in  the  help  granted  to  me 
in  such  religious  services,  as  I  believe  I  was  called  into,  in 
Meetings,  families,  and  institutions.  I  had  very  solemn 


464  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1834. 

religious  times  in  the  Gaol  and  large  Refuge,  also  shorter 
ones  in  the  Bridewell  and  another  Kefuge.  The  hearts  of 
many  appeared  to  be  peculiarly  opened  towards  me,  and 
entire  strangers  wonderfully  ministered  to  my  wants,  and 
upheld  my  hands.  Our  dear  friends  who  knew  me  before, 
were  abundantly  kind  to  me.  May  the  Lord,  in  his  love  and 
mercy,  reward  them  for  all  their  great  kindness  to  me,  His 
very  unworthy  servant ;  and  may  He  still  soften  and  enlarge 
their  hearts  towards  me,  until  the  work  that  he  gives  me  to 
do  amongst  them,  be  accomplished.  I  find  a  field  for  much 
important  service  for  the  poor,  and  to  make  more  arrange- 
ments for  the  ladies  who  visit  the  prisons.  I  desire,  and 
earnestly  pray  to  be  preserved  from  an  over-active  spirit  in 
these  things;  arid  on  the  other  hand,  faithfully,  diligently, 
humbly,  and  watchfully,  to  do  whatever  my  Lord  gives  me 
to  do,  that  may  be  to  His  glory,  or  the  good  of  my  fellow- 
creatures. 

We  have  passed  through  very  lovely  country ;  but  the  sun 
has  not  shone  much  upon  us,  and  the  atmosphere  of  my  mind 
has  partaken  of  the  same  hue,  which  is  not  so  pleasant  as 
more  lively  colouring  over  the  mind,  but  I  am  ready  to  think 
more  profitable,  and  perhaps  more  likely  to  qualify  me  for 
the  weighty  duties  before  me. 


After  visiting  other  scenes  of  natural  grandeur  and  beauty, 
and  some  hospitable  friends,  the  travellers  retraced  their  steps 
through  Dumbarton  and  Glasgow  to  Edinburgh,  where 
Elizabeth  Fry  was  again  received  with  affectionate  kindness 
by  her  friends  and  fellow-labourers  ;  her  time  and  energies 
being  devoted  to  the  completion  of  those  objects  that  had 
claimed  her  particular  attention  on  her  former  visit. 

But  whilst  many  institutions  of  great  importance  owe  their 
existence,  either  directly  or  indirectly,  to  her  skill  and  exer- 
tions— and  she  sowed  the  seed  of  many  a  noble  tree — she  did 
not  omit  to  avail  herself  of  those  small  opportunities  of  bene- 


1834.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  465 

fiting  others,  that  are  presented  in  the  occurrences  of  each 
passing  hour.  It  was  her  unvarying  practice,  both  at  private 
dwellings,  and  at  the  inns  where  they  passed  their  First-days, 
to  invite  the  servants  to  attend  the  evening  scripture  read- 
ings ;  many  of  the  visitors,  who,  like  themselves,  were  only 
for  a  short  time  sojourners  there,  also  joined  them  on  these 
solemn  and  interesting  occasions.  Iler's  was  a  constant  en- 
deavour to  leave  some  savour  of  good  on  all  with  whom  she 
had  any  communication.  The  chambermaid  and  the  waiter 
received  the  word  of  kindness  and  counsel,  and  a  little  tract 
or  text-book  to  impress  it  upon  their  memories.  The  postilion 
at  the  carriage  window,  or  the  cotter  at  the  road  side,  met 
with  appropriate  notice,  and  this  mingled  with  the  most  un- 
affected enjoyment  of  the  country,  and  spirit  in  all  the  inci- 
dents of  travelling. 

The  result  of  her  observations  on  the  state  of  the  Scotch 
Prisons,  she  forwarded  to  the  proper  authorities  after  her 
return  home. 

The  close  of  the  year  1834  was  marked  by  the  death  of 
the  Duke  of  Gloucester.  He  had  been  highly  esteemed  by 
Elizabeth  Fry,  from  the  time  when,  quartered  at  Norwich, 
in  the  latter  part  of  the  last  century,  he  was  amongst  the 
few,  who  addressed  words  of  friendly  caution  and  sound 
advice,  to  the  young  and  motherless  sisters  at  Earlham.  To 
the  Princess  Sophia  of  Gloucester,  she  wrote  upon  the  occa- 
sion— 

Upton  Lane,  Twelfth  Month,  13tf»,  1834. 

My  dear  Friend, 

I  hope  thou  wilt  not  feel  it  an  intrusion,  my  expressing 
my  sympathy  with  thec  in  the  death  of  the  Duke  of  Glou- 
cester. To  lose  a  dear  and  only  brother  is  no  small  trial,  and 
for  a  while  makes  the  world  appear  very  desolate.  But  I 
trust,  having  thy  pleasant  pictures  marred  in  this  life,  may 
be  one  means  of  opening  brighter  prospects  in  the  life  to 
come,  and  of  having  thy  treasure  increased  in  the  heavenly 
inheritance. 
59 


466  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1835. 

The  Duchess  of  Gloucester  kindly  commissioned  a  lady  to 
write  to  me,  who  gave  me  a  very  comforting  account  of  the 
state  of  the  Duke's  mind.  I  feel  it  cause  for  much  thank- 
fulness that  he  was  so  sustained  through  faith  in  his  Lord 
and  Saviour,  and  we  may  humbly  trust,  through  His  merits, 
saved  with  an  everlasting  salvation.  It  would  be  very  plea- 
Bant  to  me  to  hear  how  thy  health  and  spirits  are,  after  so 
great  a  shocjc,  and  I  propose  inquiring  at  Blackheath,  where 
I  rather  expect  to  be  next  week ;  or,  if  thou  wouldest  have 
the  kindness  to  request  one  of  thy  ladies-in-waiting  to  write 
me  a  few  lines,  I  should  be  much  obliged. 

I  hope  that  my  dear  and  valued  friend,  the  Duchess  of 
Gloucester,  is  as  well  as  we  can  expect,  after  her  deep  afflic- 
tion. 

With  desires  for  thy  present  and  everlasting  welfare, 
I  remain,  thy  attached  and  obliged  friend, 

ELIZABETH  FRY. 

Upton  Lane,  First  Month,  27th,  1835. — I  yesterday  went, 
by  appointment,  to  visit  the  Duchess  of  Gloucester,  after  the 
death  of  the  Duke.  She  gave  a  highly  interesting  account 
of  his  death.  He  appeared  to  depart  in  the  full  hope  of  a 
Christian.  This  I  felt  satisfactory  and  comforting,  after 
having  traced  him  from  his  youth  up,  and  seen  his  conduct, 
and  known  his  principles  when  a  young  man.  I  observe  how 
gently  the  Lord  deals  with  His  people,  and  how,  under  the 
most  varied  circumstances,  He  visits  all,  and  how  He  bears 
with  those  that  fear  Him.  It  appeared  to  me  that  the  Duke 
desired  to  act  up  to  the  light  received,  and  his  faith  was 
strong  in  his  Saviour,  which  proved  his  stronghold  in  the 
day  of  trouble. 

Second  Month,  8th. — The  way  appears  opening  with  our 
present  Ministers  to  obtain  libraries  for  all  the  Coast  Guard 
Stations,  a  matter  I  have  long  had  at  heart.  My  desire  is, 
to  do  all  these  things  with  a  single  eye  to  the  glory  of  God, 
and  the  welfare  of  my  fellow-mortals,  and  if  they  succeed. 


1835.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FEY.  467 

to  pray  that  He,  who  alone  can  bless  and  increase,  may  pros- 
per the  work  of  my  unworthy  hands,  and  that  I  may  ever 
wholly  give  the  glory  to  Him  to  whom  it  is  due,  even  my 
Lord  and  my  God. 

The  beneficial  effects  of  the  libraries  introduced,  through 
her  influence,  into  the  Naval  Hospitals  at  Haslar  and  Ply- 
mouth, and  the  testimony  borne  to  their  utility  by  Sir  William 
Burnett,  the  highest  medical  authority  in  the  navy,  had  con- 
firmed her  desire  to  extend  this  advantage  to  all  the  Coast 
Guard  Stations,  without  further  delay.  It  was  brought  under 
the  notice  of  Sir  Robert  Peel,  then  first  Lord  of  the  Trea- 
sury, by  means  of  a  letter  addressed  by  Elizabeth  Fry  to  his 
brother  Lawrence  Peel,  who  had  already  ably  seconded  her 
views  in  the  Brighton  District  Society.  This  application  met 
with  the  approbation  of  Sir  Robert  Peel,  by  whom  it  was  re- 
ferred to  Sir  Thomas  Freemantle — from  him  an  assurance  was 
received,  that  there  existed  a  strong  disposition  on  the  part  of 
the  Board  of  Treasury  to  give  effect  to  this  object,  and  that, 
as  soon  as  the  proposed  plan  was  matured,  it  should  receive 
all  the  assistance  in  his  power. 

Seventh  Month,  2~\.st. — I  have  been  very  busy,  trying  to 
obtain  libraries  for  all  the  Coast  Guard  Stations,  and  have 
had  to  see  men  in  authority,  who  received  me  in  a  way  that 
was  surprising  to  myself. 

Her  projected  plan  of  thus  forming  libraries  for  all  the 
Coast  Guard  Stations  throughout  the  United  Kingdom,  in- 
volved a  vast  undertaking,  there  being  about  five  hundred  of 
these,  divided  into  twenty-four  districts,  and  comprising  up- 
wards of  21,000  persons,  including  the  wives  and  children 
of  the  men. 

Government  allowed  a  grant  of  X500.  Large  private  sub- 
scriptions were  obtained  through  Elizabeth  Fry's  exertions. 

The  details  of  the  arrangement  were  almost  entirely  her 


468  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1835. 

own,  and  remarkably  adapted  to  meet  the  requirings  of  those 
whom  she  desired  to  benefit ;  having  made  herself  mistress  of 
the  subject,  and  of  the  nature  of  the  service,  with  surprising 
rapidity  and  correctness. 

Besides  contributions  in  money,  many  liberal  donations  of 
books  were  received  from  some  of  the  most  eminent  book- 
sellers ;  which,  with  the  grants  from  the  Society  for  Promoting 
Christian  Knowledge,  the  Religious  Tract  Society,  and  other 
similar  institutions,  amounted  in  value  to  upwards  of  a  thou- 
sand pounds. 

The  libraries,  for  the  stations  alone,  amounted  in  all  to 
25,896  volumes.  Fifty-two  different  works  were  prepared 
for  each  station,  whilst  a  still  larger  and  more  important 
collection  was  to  be  attached  to  every  one  of  the  seventy-four 
districts,  in  order  to  afford  the  needful  variety  and  change. 
The  packages  of  books,  the  greater  part  carriage-free,  were 
dispatched  in  the  course  of  the  summer  from  the  Custom 
House,  in  Government  vessels  to  their  different  destinations. 
But  all  this  was  not  done  without  much  fatigue  and  exertion, 
many  wearisome  journeys  to  London,  and  a  great  deal  of 
writing ;  in  the  latter  she  was  much  assisted  by  a  dissenting 
minister,  who  undertook  the  office  of  Secretary,  and  proved 
an  efficient  and  useful  agent  to  herself,  and  those  gentlemen 
who  acted  with  her. 

On  the  22nd  of  Fifth  Month,  Elizabeth  Fry  was  ordered 
to  attend  the  Select  Committee  of  the  House  of  Lords,  ap- 
pointed to  inquire  into  the  present  state  of  the  several  Gaols 
and  Houses  of  Correction  in  England  and  Wales.  She  was 
accompanied  by  Elizabeth  Pryor,  Jane  Pirrie,  and  Catherine 
Fraser,  who  were  likewise  to  be  examined.  Sir  T.  Fowell 
Buxton  was  with  Elizabeth  Fry.  She  and  her  companions 
were  conducted  by  him  to  an  ante-room,  where  they  found 
the  Duke  of  Richmond  and  Lord  Suffield;  the  Duke  of 
Sutherland  came  in  shortly  afterwards.  The  Duke  of  Rich- 
mond, as  Chairman  of  the  Committee,  presided ;  the  govern- 
ment short-hand  writer  was  seated  at  the  corner  of  the  table, 


1835.]  LIFE    OP    E-LIZABETH    PRY.  469 

and  Elizabeth  Fry,  Elizabeth  Pryor,  Jane  Pirie.  and  Cathe- 
rine Eraser  at  the  right-hand  of  the  Duke.     There  might  be 
from  twelve  to  fifteen  noblemen  present. 
An  eye-witness  writes : 

"  Never,  I  should  think,  was  the  calm  dignity  of  her  character 
more  conspicuous.  Whatever  her  inward  feelings  might  have 
been,  nothing  like  excitement  was  visible  in  her  manner — nothing 
hurried  in  her  language.  Perfectly  self-possessed,  her  speech 
flowed  melodiously,  her  ideas  were  clearly  expressed,  and  if  another 
thought  possessed  her,  besides  that  of  delivering  her  opinions 
faithfully  and  judiciously  on  the  subjects  brought  before  her,  it 
was,  that  she  might  speak  a  word  for  her  Lord  and  Master  in  that 
noble  company. 

"  Beyond  all  topics,  did  she  urge  the  vast  importance  of  scriptu- 
ral instruction  for  poor,  fallen  ones.  Warmed  by  her  subject,  with 
her  voice  a  little  raised,  and  a  look  of  solemn  earnestness,  she  went 
on  to  say,  after  replying  to  one  of  the  questions  addressed  to  her — 

" '  I  believe  the  effect  of  religious  and  other  instruction  is  hardly 
to  be  calculated  on — and  I  may  further  say,  that  notwithstanding 
the  high  estimation  and  reverence  in  which  I  held  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tures before  I  went  to  the  prisons,  as  believing  them  to  be  written 
by  inspiration  of  God,  and  therefore  calculated  to  produce  the 
greatest  good,  I  have  seen  (in  reading  the  Scriptures  to  those 
women)  such  a  power  attending  them,  and  such  an  effect  on  the 
minds  of  the  most  reprobate,  as  I  could  not  have  conceived.  If 
any  one  wants  a  confirmation  of  the  truth  of  Christianity,  let  him 
go  and  read  the  Scriptures  in  prison  to  poor  sinners;  you  there 
see,  how  the  gospel  is  exactly  adapted  to  the  fallen  condition  of 
man.  It  has  strongly  confirmed  my  faith,  and  I  feel  it  to  be  the* 
bounden  duty  of  the  Government  and  the  country,  that  those 
truths  should  be  administered  in  the  manner  most  likely  to  con- 
duce to  the  real  reformation  of  the  prisoner ;  you  then  go  to  the 
root  of  the  matter — for  though  severe  punishment  may,  in  a  mea- 
sure, deter  them  and  others  from  crime,  it  does  not  nnicnd  the 
character  and  change  the  heart,  but  if  you  have  altered  the 
principles  of  the  individuals,  they  are  not  only  deterred  from  crime, 
because  of  the  fear  of  punishment,  but  they  go  out  and  set  a  bright 
example  to  others." 


470  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FKY.  [1835. 

The  quiet  self-possession  with  which  she  delivered  her 
opinions,  won  confidence  and  consideration ;  and  she  had  the 
satisfaction  to  believe,  that  some  points  of  importance  were 
forwarded  by  the  information  which  she  furnished. 

Her  communications  with  persons  who  possessed  worldly 
power  were  not  rendered  subservient  to  the  gratification  of 
self,  to  the  indulgence  of  any  principle  of  vanity,  but,  in  the 
openings  for  usefulness  to  her  fellow  creatures  ;  and,  as  she 
walked  onward  in  the  path  of  duty,  she  was  preserved  in 
watchfulness  and  humility.  Her  guileless  simplicity  of  heart, 
the  serious  dignity  of  her  deportment,  and  the  unaffected 
polish  of  her  manner,  (divested  as  it  was  of  all  the  ceremony 
of  mere  worldly  politeness),  inspired  beholders  with  respect 
and  reverence,  whilst  her  modest,  beaming  smile  of  calm 
benignity  impressed  them  with  a  consciousness  of  the  love 
that  influenced  her. 

Some  business  now  required  Joseph  Fry's  attention  in  the 
South  of  England :  his  wife  accompanied  him,  with  one  of 
their  daughters. 

She  almost  always  called  at  the  Coast  Guard  Stations, 
and  conversed  with  those  whom  she  found  there  ;  frequently 
the  officers  would  follow  her  to  the  inn  for  further  communica- 
tion. At  Portsmouth,  she  visited  Haslar  Hospital,  speaking 
kind  and  pitying  words  to  the  sick  and  deranged.  Admiral 
Garrett  and  his  family  paid  her  the  most  hospitable  attention  ; 
with  his  daughter  she  visited  the  Penitentiary  at  Portsea. 
While  they  went  over  the  house,  the  unhappy  inmates  were 
assembled  in  the  parlour,  where  they  were  all  standing  when 
Elizabeth  Fry,  and  her  young  companion,  returned  to  the 
room.  The  latter  describes  Elizabeth  Fry,  as  "  sitting  down, 
laying  her  bonnet  on  the  table,  and  making  some  inquiries 
as  to  the  arrangements  of  the  place,  and  the  conduct  of  the 
young  women  there.  Two  were  pointed  out  to  her  as  being 
peculiarly  refractory  and  hardened — without  noticing  this, 
she  addressed  some  words  of  exhortation  and  advice  to  all, 
but  when  she  arose  to  go  away,  she  went  up  to  these  two, 


1835.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  471 

and  extending  her  hand  to  each  of  them,  said,  in  a  tone  and 
manner  quite  indescribable,  but  so  touching — 'I  trust  I 
shall  hear  better  things  of  thee.'  The  hearts  that  had  been 
proof  against  the  words  of  reproach  and  exhortation,  softened 
at  those  of  hope  and  kindness,  and  both  burst  into  tears." 

The  travellers  made  a  three  days'  tour  of  the  Isle  of  Wight ; 
but  at  Cowes  Elizabeth  Fry  separated  from  her  husband  and 
daughter,  believing  it  her  duty  to  cross  to  Jersey,  in  the  hope 
of  effecting  something  towards  remedying  the  crying  evils 
which  still  existed  in  the  prison  there.  She  was  accompanied 
by  her  young  friend,  Lydia  Irving,  from  London,  who  had 
kindly  agreed  to  go  with  her  ;  they  went  in  the  "  Jlnadne" 
Captain  Bazin's  steam-vessel.  They  had  a  rough  passage, 
but  a  warm  reception  at  D'Hautree,  Colonel  (now  General) 
Touzel's.  By  him  and  his  family  were  they  treated,  not 
merely  with  hospitality,  but  with  true  Christian  affection,  as 
"  beloved  for  their  works'  sake." 

She  laboured  diligently  during  her  stay  on  the  island — her 
objects  being  the  prison,  district  society,  &c.  She  passed  a 
few  days  in  Guernsey,  being  similarly  occupied — thence 
crossed  to  Weymouth — spent  a  short  time  at  Plymouth, 
visited  the  Coast  Guard  Stations,  &c.,  and,  joined  by  her 
husband  and  daughter,  proceeded  to  Falmouth,  where  they 
were  warmly  welcomed  by  her  valued  relatives  of  the  Fox 
family,  to  whom  she  was  much  and  justly  attached. 

Here  she  heard  various  particulars  of  the  packets  continu- 
ally sailing  from  that  port ;  she  wished  to  have  libraries  for 
them  also.  In  this  she  was  assisted  by  Captain  Clavell,  and 
by  many  of  the  commanders  of  the  packets ;  and  she  did  not 
relax  in  her  efforts  until  they  were  well  supplied  with  Bibles, 
Testaments,  religious  tracts,  &c.  She  received,  a  few  months 
afterwards,  a  letter  from  one  of  Capt.  Clavell's  family,  dated 
"Falmouth,  January  27th,  1835,"  which  says: — 

I  am  sure  you  will  be  gl:ul  to  bear  our  library  is  getting  ou 
vith  much  success.  The  men  appear  uiorc  anxious  than  ever  to 


472  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1835. 

read. I  cannot  tell  you  how  much  we  all  feel  indebted  to 

you  for  your  great  kindness,  and  benevolent  exertions;  but  par- 
ticularly our  poor  sailors." 

A  few  days  were  passed  among  the  romantic  beauties  of 
North  Devon.  Thence  they  turned  their  steps  homewards  ; 
but  at  Amesbury  she  paused  long  enough,  to  make  arrange- 
ments for  a  library  being  established,  for  the  use  of  the  shep- 
herds of  Salisbury  Plain.  An  excellent  individual  undertook 
the  care  of  the  books,  and  their  circulation.  After  a  few 
months'  trial  of  the  plan,  he  wrote  to  her — 

"  Forty-five  books  are  in  constant  circulation,  with  the  additional 
magazines.  More  than  fifty  poor  people  read  them  with  attention, 
return  them  with  thanks,  and  desire  the  loan  of  more,  frequently 
observing,  they  think  it  a  very  kind  thing  indeed,  that  they  should 
be  furnished  with  so  many  good  books,  free  of  all  cost,  so  entertain- 
ing and  instructive,  these  long  winter  evenings. 

From  the  different  officers  of  the  Coast  Guard  Stations, 
she  received  letters  that  gladdened  her  heart ;  all  breathing 
the  same  spirit,  expressing  their  cordial  approbation  of  the 
plan,  and  the  pleasure  felt  by  the  men  and  their  families. 
But  something  beyond  pleasure  was  desired  by  her,  with 
whom  the  idea  originated — that  spiritual  advantage  and  edi- 
fication should  accrue,  to  those  who  read.  The  seed  that 
she  sowed  has,  in  truth,  been  in  many  instances  remarkably 
blessed. 

On  arriving  at  home  from  this  western  tour,  an  afflicting 
event  was  impending,  which  she  thus  records  : — 

Upton,  Tenth  Month,  13<A. — I  returned  home  yesterday 
with  my  dear  husband,  from  a  very  affecting  and  unexpected 
visit  into  Norfolk,  in  consequence  of  the  severe  illness  and 
death  of  my  beloved  sister,  Mary  Gurney,  my  brother  Joseph's 
amiable,  devoted,  and  superior  wife.  She  was  in  the  prime 
of  her  day,  only  thirty-two  years  of  age,  a  spiritually-minded 
and  lively  minister,  a  very  intellectual  person,  and  highly 
cultivated,  generous,  and  remarkably  cheerful,  a  wonderful 


1835.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  473 

helper  to  my  brother,  adapted  to  his  wants.  When  I  heard 
how  ill  she  was,  I  could  hardly  believe  she  would  die,  she 
had  such  an  apparent  call  here  below,  but  our  ways  are  not 
the  Lord's  ways,  nor  our  thoughts,  His  thoughts.  He  took 
her,  thus  early,  to  Himself,  but  we  apprehend,  as  the  shock 
of  corn  fully  ripe.  Our  dearest  Joseph's  resignation  and 
patience  are  great  indeed,  and  his  even  cheerful  acquiescence 
with  the  will  of  his  God,  is  instructive.  The  funeral  was  deeply 
affecting.  After  dinner  we  had  an  extraordinary  time.  Our 
dear  brother  Francis  Cunningham  prayed — his  dear  Richenda 
spoke.  Joseph,  in  the  most  striking  manner,  enlarged  on  the 
character  of  the  departed,  on  his  loss,  and  his  consolation ; 
the  day  went  on  and  ended  well,  in  a  reading  with  the  poor 
neighbours ;  but  words  fail  me,  to  tell  of  the  solemn,  holy, 
loving  feeling  over  us.  Oh  !  what  a  blessing  is  family  unity 
in  the  Lord — my  children  who  were  present,  and  many  others, 
were  deeply  and  powerfully  impressed.  May  it  be  lasting — 
may  the  same  spirit  that  has  so  remarkably  rested  upon  us, 
rest  on  them  ;  the  same  love,  the  same  peace,  the  same  unity 
of  spirit,  the  same  freeness  of  spiritual  communication.  Such 
a  day  is  almost  like  being  raised  above  the  things  of  this 
world ;  all  appeared  sanctified,  all  blessed,  even  the  very 
beauties  of  the  place.  How  did  I  feel  called  upon  to  entreat, 
and  to  warn,  how  did  I  seek  to  bear  testimony  to  the  very 
truth — and  how  did  dearest  Joseph,  in  his  affliction,  beseech 
all  to  come  to  Christ,  for  salvation. 

-;>J. — Since  my  return  home,  I  have  had  very  satisfactory 
letters  from  the  island  of  Jersey,  saying  that  great  alterations 
and  improvements  are  taking  place  in  the  Hospital.  The 
Prison  Committee  have  also  acted  upon  many  of  my  sug- 
gestions. In  our  home  prison  cause,  it  is  really  marvellous 
to  mo  to  observe  the  openings  of  Providence,  in  the  good 
effected  by  the  members  of  the  Ladies'  British  Society.  I 
feel  rather  bound  to  record  these  things — not  by  way  of 
boasting,  but  as  a  proof  that  all  comes  from  the  Lord,  who 
blesaes  in  the  labour,  arid  who  strengthens  for  the  work 
GO 


474  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1836. 

Upton  Lane,  Second  Month,  2,5th,  1836. — On  the  23rd  in- 
stant, I  thought  it  right  to  lay  before  my  Monthly  Meeting, 
my  belief,  that  it  was  my  duty  to  have  some  religious  services 
in  Sussex,  Kent,  and  my  own  Quarterly  Meeting.  I  can  hardly 
express  the  sweetness  and  peacefulness  I  felt,  in  making  this 
small  sacrifice,  to  what  I  believe  to  be,  the  call  of  duty.  The 
near  unity  and  sympathy  expressed  with  me  by  my  friends, 
was  also  very  encouraging  and  comforting.  My  dearest 
brother  Samuel  offering  to  take  this  expedition,  was  quite  a 
help  and  comfort. 

Third  Month,  13</i. — I  returned  from  my  journey  on  Sixth- 
day  last,  having  been  out  a  week.  I  felt  low,  in  fact,  almost 
ill,  with  the  serious  weight  of  the  prospect  of  the  Public 
Meetings.  The  first  Meeting  I  wished  to  have,  was  at  Hast- 
ings, the  second  at  Rye ;  a  curious  interesting  place,  towards 
which  I  had  felt  much  attracted  in  my  last  journey.  We 
found  a  Meeting-house  there.  Grover  Kemp,  a  valuable 
young  minister,  joined  me  at  my  request,  which  was  a  great 
satisfaction  to  me. 

At  Hastings,  several  of  the  Coast  Guard  men  and  t,fficers 
were  at  the  Meeting.  I  had  many  proofs  of  the  me  and 
value  of  the  libraries  sent  to  them,  to  my  comfort  and  satis- 
faction ;  proving  it  not  to  have  been  labour  "  in  vain  in  the 
Lord."  Real  kindness,  almost  affection,  as  well  as  gratitude, 
was  shown  to  me,  by  several  of  the  men  and  officers  and 
their  families.  We  hope  a  Bible  Society  will  be  formed  at 
Rye  in  consequence  of  our  visit,  and  a  Prison  Society  at 
Dover.  But  to  come  to  one  of  the  most  interesting  parts  of 
our  expedition,  we  went  to  Sheerness,  to  visit  the  women 
and  children  in  the  ships  in  ordinary.  Captain  Kennedy  had 
them  collected  at  my  request ;  it  was  a  fine  Bight,  in  a  large 
man-of-war,  instead  of  bloodshed  and  fightings,  to  see  many 
naval  officers,  two  chaplains,  sailors,  soldiers,  ladies,  numbers 
of  women  and  children,  all  met  to  hear  what  two  Quakers 
had  to  say,  more  particularly  a  woman,  and  to  listen  to  any 
advice  given  by  them.  We  examined  the  children,  as  tc 


1836.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  475 

their  knowledge,  then  gave  them  advice,  afterwards  we  ad- 
dressed their  parents,  and  lastly  those  present  generally — we 
were  received  with  great  cordiali ty  by  Captain  Kennedy,  and 
his  wife. 

23rd. — I  laid  before  our  Monthly  Meeting  on  Third-day, 
my  belief  of  its  being  my  duty  to  go  to  Ireland,  and  to  take 
Liverpool  and  Manchester  in  the  way.  I  had  the  unity  of 
my  friends — I  say  in  my  heart — unless  Thy  presence  go  with 
me,  take  me  not  up  hence.  May  my  Lord  answer  this  prayer 
in  His  tender  mercy. 

Fourth  Month,  \kth. — Just  about  leaving  home  for  Ireland 
— oh  dearest  Lord !  bless,  I  entreat  Thee,  this  act  of  faith,  to 
my  family,  myself,  and  those  amongst  whom  I  go,  and  be,  I 
most  humbly  pray  Thee,  my  Keeper,  their  Keeper;  my 
Helper,  their  Helper ;  my  Strength,  their  Strength ;  my  Joy 
and  Peace,  and  their  Joy  and  Peace,  Amen  !  Grant  this  for 
Thine  own  name'  sake,  oh,  most  gracious  Lord  God !  cause 
also,  that  we  may  meet  again,  in  love,  joy,  peace  and  safety. 

Upton  Lane,  Fifth  Month,  13th. — I  returned  home  safely 
yesterday  afternoon.  I  think  I  never  had  so  happy  and  so 
prosperous  an  arrival.  I  wept  with  joy  ;  the  stream  appears 
to  be  turned  for  a  while,  my  tears  have  often  flowed  for 
sorrow,  and  now  my  beloved  husband  and  children  have 
caused  them  to  flow  for  joy.  I  found  not  only  all  going  on 
well,  and  having  done  so  during  my  absence,  but  to  please, 
comfort  and  surprise  me,  my  dearest  husband  had  had  my 
rooms  altered,  and  made  most  comfortable,  and  my  children 
had  sent  me  nice  presents  to  render  them  more  complete. 
Their  offerings  of  love  quite  gladdened  my  heart,  though  far 
too  good  for  me ;  I  felt  utterly  unworthy  of  them,  I  may  say 
peculiarly  so.  I  have  seldom  returned  home  more  sensible 
of  the  hidden  evils  of  my  heart.  Circumstances  have  un- 
usually made  me  feel  this.  I  fully  believe  in  this  going  out, 
much  help  has  been  granted  me,  in  various  ways;  my  under- 
standing lias  appeared  to  be  enlightened,  more  fully  to  see 
ami  comprehend  gospel  truth,  and  power  has  been  given  me 
to  utter  it  boldly,  l>eyon«l  what  I  could  have  supposed. 


470  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1836. 

The  preceding  extract  depicts  what  was,  under  all  circum- 
stances, the  striking  characteristic  of  this  remarkable  woman 
— her  deep  humility  and  lowly  estimate  of  herself.  She, 
who  was  continually  devoting  every  energy  of  mind  and 
body  to  promote  the  happiness  of  the  human  family,  and 
whose  self-sacrificing  love  assumed  a  concentrated  form  of 
tenderest  attachment  towards  each  member  of  her  own  imme- 
diate circle,  calling  forth,  in  every  hour  of  need,  the  most 
assiduous  exertions  in  their  service,  is  yet  found  to  be  so 
acutely  affected  by  tokens  of  kind  attention  from  her  husband 
and  children — tokens  which  might  naturally  be  expected  by 
every  affectionate  wife  and  mother — that  the  tears  of  grateful 
joy  are  shed,  and  her  heart  is  gladdened  by  offerings  of  love, 
which  she  feels  herself  "utterly  unworthy"  to  receive.  This 
incident  pourtrays  her  mind,  in  lines  more  vividly  defined 
than  the  pen  can  describe. 

My  desires  and  prayers  are  strong,  that  being  returned 
home,  I  may  profit  by  the  deep  experience  of  this  expedition. 
May  my  holy  Redeemer  cause  me  by  His  Spirit  to  walk  very 
closely  to  Himself,  keeping  to  the  truth  in  His  Spirit,  and, 
by  His  power,  preserving  me  from  impetuous  zeal  in  holy 
things.  In  this  Yearly  Meeting,  may  very  sound  discretion 
be  my  portion.  As  for  my  home  duties,  my  longings  are  in- 
describable that  I  may  perform  them  in  deep  humility,  god- 
liness, holy  fear,  and  love ;  that  I  may  be  a  preacher  of 
righteousness,  in  all  things,  and  in  all  ways. 

Sixth  Month,  12/A,  (First-day  morning.] — We,  yesterday, 
had  our  British  Society  Meeting,  and  it  was  striking  to  me 
to  observe,  how  much  our  various  labours  had  been  blessed, 
and  to  hear  how  many  poor  women,  from  various  parts,  have 
been  induced  to  forsake  their  evil  courses,  and  are  now  either 
leading  good  lives,  or  have  died  happy  Christian  deaths. 

18th. — I  have  felt  a  good  deal  pressed  in  spirit,  during 
these  last  few  days.  The  day  before  yesterday  I  counted 
twenty-nine  persons  who  came  here,  on  various  accounts, 


1836.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  -177 

principally  to  see  me ;  there  are  times,  when  the  tide  of  life 
is  almost  overpowering.  It  makes  me  doubtful,  as  to  our 
remaining  much  longer  in  this  place,  which,  from  its  situa- 
tion, brings  so  many  here.  I  have  several  things  which 
rather  weightily  press  me  just  now.  I  desire  to  lay  my  case 
before  the  Lord,  trusting  in  Him,  and  casting  myself  and 
my  whole  care  upon  Him.  Dearest  Lord,  help :  supply  all 
our  needs,  through  the  riches  of  Thy  grace,  in  Christ  Jesus  ! 
Amen. 

In  the  Sixth  Month,  Elizabeth  Fry  had  the  satisfaction  of 
receiving  the  printed  Report  of  the  Committee  acting  under 
the  sanction  of  the  Government,  for  furnishing  the  Coast 
Guard  of  the  United  Kingdom  with  libraries  of  religious  and 
instructive  books  ;  announcing  the  completion  of  the  project, 
with  a  short  account  of  what  had  been  effected. 

The  Report  is  as  follows  : — 

"The  committee,  acting  under  the  sanction  of  His  Majesty's 
Government,  for  furnishing  the  Coast  Guard  of  the  United  King- 
dom with  Libraries  of  religious  and  instructive  books,  and  also  with 
school  books  for  the  families  of  the  men  employed  on  that  service, 
having,  by  the  blessing  of  Divine  Providence,  completed  that  object, 
it  becomes  their  pleasing  duty  to  lay  before  tho  subscribers  a  Re- 
port of  their  proceedings. 

"  In  the  commencement  of  this  duty,  it  is  proper  gratefully  to 
acknowledge,  that  the  idea  of  furnishing  these  libraries  first  sug- 
gested itself  to  the  benevolent  mind  of  Mrs.  Fry,  whose  active  and 
charitable  exertions,  on  all  occasions  affecting  the  benefit  of  man- 
kind, are  too  well  known,  and  too  highly  estimated,  to  need  further 
remark  on  the  present  occasion,  and  who  having  previously  suc- 
ceeded in  inducing  his  Majesty's  Government  to  establish  libraries 
for  the  use  of  the  patients  in  the  naval  hospitals,  was  induced  by 
the  observations  she  had  made  on  the  subject,  to  endeavour  to 
extend  the  same  beneficial  measure  to  tho  Coast  Guard  Service, 
and  after  several  unsuccessful  efforts,  arising  from  tho  expcuso 
which  it  would  occasion,  a  sum  of  ,£500  was  obtained  in  1835, 


478  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1830. 

from  the  First  Lord  of  the  Treasury  (Sir  Robert  Peel)  for  this 
purpose,  which  munificent  donation  has  since  been  followed  bj 
subscriptions  from  many  charitable  individuals,  and  grants  from 
several  public  book  societies,  but  as  the  whole  of  these  funds  were 
not  sufficient  to  meet  the  object  in  view,  the  present  Chancellor  of 
the  Exchequer  (Mr.  Spring  Rice)  kindly  granted  two  further 
sums  amounting  together  to  £460  to  effect  its  completion. 

"  The  means  thus  so  liberally  afforded,  have  enabled  the  com- 
mittee to  provide  and  forward  to  the  coast, — 

498  Libraries  for  the  Stations  on  shore,  containing  25,896  vols. 
74    Ditto  Districts  12,880 

48    Ditto  Cruisers  1,867 

School  books  for  the  children  of  the  crews  of  Stations  6,464 
Pamphlets,  Tracts,  &c.  5,357  in  Nos. 

Makin    a  total  of    52,464  vols. 


and  thereby  to  furnish  a  body  of  deserving  and  useful  men  and 
their  wives  and  families,  (amounting  to  upwards  of  21,000  persons,) 
with  the  means  of  moral  and  religious  instruction,  as  well  as  pro- 
fitable amusement,  most  of  whom,  from  their  situation  in  life, 
have  not  the  means  of  procuring  such  benefits  from  their  own 
resources,  and  who  in  many  instances,  are  so  far  removed  from 
places  of  public  worship  and  schools,  as  to  prevent  the  possibility 
of  themselves  or  their  families  deriving  advantage  from  either." 

To  have  been  enabled  to  accomplish  this  great  undertak- 
ing, so  fraught  with  vast  and  important  consequences,  was 
indeed  a  source  of  inexpressible  relief  and  satisfaction  to 
the  mind  of  Elizabeth  Fry. 

Having  now  completed  her  onerous  task  in  reference 
to  the  establishment  of  these  libraries,  her  mind  was  much 
impressed  with  an  apprehension  .that  it  was  her  duty  again 
to  visit  Jersey  and  Guernsey,  in  order  to  promote  some 
important  reforms  which,  through  her  instrumentality,  had 
been  begun,  but  which,  to  render  them  effectual,  required 
her  assistance  and  direction.  One  difficulty  presented  itself 
in  the  indisposition  of  Louisa  Hoare,  and  Elizabetn  Fry  felt 


1836.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  479 

deeply  the  seriousness  and  the  trial  of  leaving  the  vicinity  of 
London,  at  a  time  when  the  health  of  her  sister  indicated  that 
she  was  sinking  under  the  influence  of  disease.  She  ear- 
nestly sought  for  the  guidance  of  her  heavenly  Father,  and 
she  believed  it  to  be  her  duty  to  go  to  Jersey,  at  any  sacrifice 
of  personal  feeling,  and  this  view  was  confirmed,  by  knowing 
that  by  her  suffering  sister  she  was  not  needed  ;  every  thing 
that  love  or  skill  could  effect,  being  done  for  the  beloved  in- 
valid, by  her  own  family,  and  her  other  sisters.  Another 
circumstance  tended  to  satisfy  her  mind  as  to  the  rectitude 
of  her  decision  :  her  sister-in-law  Elizabeth  Fry,  then  in  very 
delicate  health,  having  been  again  advised  to  visit  the  Channel 
Islands,  where  she  had  before  derived  much  benefit  from  the 
mild  sea  air,  she  with  Joseph  and  Elizabeth  Fry,  and  their 
daughter,  embarked  at  Southampton,  on  a  calm  fine  evening, 
with  every  prospect  of  a  good  voyage,  but  these  favourable 
appearances  were  not  of  long  duration.  About  four  o'clock 
in  the  morning,  all  on  board  were  roused  by  the  sudden 
stopping  of  the  vessel.  A  dense  fog  had  come  on,  when 
passing  through  the  intricate  passage  between  the  Caskets 
and  the  island  of  Alderney.  They  remained  many  hours 
entangled  amongst  rocks,  with  the  fog  so  thick,  that  it  was 
not  always  easy  to  see  the  length  of  the  vessel ;  much  appre- 
hension was  entertained  by  many  on  board,  in  which  Eliza- 
beth Fry  partook,  though  preserving  her  wonted  calmness  of 
demeanour.  Providentially,  there  was,  as  passenger  in  the 
steamer,  the  old  Guernsey  pilot,  who  had,  with  remarkable 
skill,  steered  some  vessels  through  a  passage,  generally  con- 
sidered impracticable.  Of  his  advice  and  assistance,  the 
Captain,  himself  an  experienced  pilot,  took  advantage,  am1 
after  a  time  of  careful  navigation,  the  joyful  tidings  spread 
among  the  passengers,  that  the  jeopardy  was  over,  that  they 
were  through  the  channel,  and  once  more  in  the  open  sea. 
The  spirit  of  Elizabeth  Fry's  mind  was  exemplified  by  her 
remark  to  her  daughter,  when,  as  they  approached  Guernsey, 
the  clouds  passed  away,  and  the  sun  shone  forth  in  brightness. 


480  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1836. 

It  was  First-day.  She  said,  in  a  solemn  manner,  I  have  felt 
it  very  doubtful  whether  this  was  not  to  be,  for  us,  the  dawn 
of  the  eternal,  instead  of  the  earthly  Sabbath  ;  I  thought  it 
rather  the  Church  above,  than  the  Church  below,  we  were  to 
join  to-day. 

But  we  turn  to  her  own  interesting  account  of  the  excur- 
sion : — 

Jersey,  Eighth  Month,  Qth. — My  husband  and  I  have  been 
here  rather  more  than  a  week.  I  left  home  on  Fourth-day, 
the  27th,  accompanied  by  my  dear  sister  Gurney,  leaving  my 
husband  and  the  rest  of  the  party  to  follow  on  Sixth-day, 
because  I  believed  it  to  be  my  duty  to  attend  the  Quarterly 
Meeting  at  Alton,  in  my  way  to  Southampton.  In  tender 
mercy,  I  was  permitted  to  part  from  my  beloved  family  in 
peace,  in  love,  and  in  good  hope  that  our  Heavenly  Father 
would  bless  and  protect  them.  On  Second-day,  before  leav- 
ing home,  we  had  our  dear  children  and  grandchildren,  for 
a  sweet  cheerful  evening,  drinking  tea  and  having  straw- 
berries, in  the  garden,  a  little  farewell  frolic — it  was  a  lovely 
sight.  From  Alton  I  proceeded  to  Southampton,  where  we 
all  met,  and  were  favoured  with  a  favourable  passage  till 
early  in  the  morning,  when  so  awful  a  fog  came  on,  just  as 
we  were  in  the  midst  of  the  rocks,  between  Alderney  and 
Guernsey,  that  the  Captain  and  the  crew  appeared  to  be 
much  alarmed.  We  all  felt  it  very  seriously,  and  I  experi- 
enced something  of  my  own  infirmity  and  fearful  nature, 
still  I  was  quiet,  and  I  think  trustful.  It  was  delightful 
once  more  to  see  land,  and  to  have  the  sun  shine  upon  us.  I 
can  hardly  express  the  feeling.  We  were  detained  about 
four  hours  in  this  fog.  I  must  describe  our  arrival,  the  sun 
breaking  out,  showing  us  the  islands  of  Guernsey,  Herm, 
and  Sark.  Castle  Carey,  the  place  of  our  destination,  on  the 
top  of  the  hill,  surrounded  by  trees,  looking  beautiful :  we 
met  with  the  most  cordial  reception  from  our  friends  and 
their  children — the  place  delightful — my  room  commanding 


1836.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  481 

the  finest  view  of  the  sea  and  islands,  our  comforts  abundant, 
far  above  our  deserts.  I  had  apprehended,  previously  to 
leaving  home,  that  I  should  feel  it  a  duty  to  visit  the  island 
of  Alderney,  but  I  became  discouraged,  the  danger  of  the 
sea  having  been  so  much  brought  home  to  me,  and  the  pass- 
age being  very  difficult.  But  I  found  upon  weighing  the 
subject,  that  I  was  not  satisfied  to  omit  it,  and  therefore,  if  a 
favourable  opening  occurred,  resolved  to  make  the  effort,  and 
to  go  on  Fourth-day,  the  llth.  We  tried  for  a  conveyance 
in  vain,  till  the  very  morning,  when  we  found  n  vessel  going. 
The  sun  shone  brilliantly,  the  wind  fair ;  every  thing  pros- 
pered our  setting  off,  and  we  appeared  to  have  the  unity  of 
all  our  party.  My  beloved  husband,  Edmund  Richards, 
Sophia  JMourant,  and  myself.  We  had  a  very  favourable 
voyage,  though  these  little  sailing  vessels  are  unpleasant  to 
me,  and  give  me  an  uncomfortable  sensation.  We  arrived 
at  this  curious  island,  which  is  rocky,  wild,  not  generally  cul- 
tivated, covered  in  parts  with  a  carpet  of  lovely  wild  flowers, 
and  scantily  inhabited  by  an  interesting  people.  No  inn,  of 
course,  but  we  had  a  very  nice  lodging,  where  we  might 
truly  say,  we  wanted  for  no  real  comfort :  so  the  Lord  doth 
provide.  I  was  low  and  poorly,  during  the  first  part  of  our 
visit ;  but  like  the  fog  on  the  voyage,  my  cloudy  state  was 
suddenly  dispersed,  as  from  a  ray  of  the  Sun  of  Righteous- 
ness. We  held  some  meetings,  we  also  formed  a  Ladies' 
Charity  to  visit  the  poor,  we  proposed  sending  a  library,  and 
Edmund  Richards  formed  a  temperance  society.  We  were 
received  with  great  kindness,  by  numbers  of  the  people,  and* 
by  Major  Baines  the  Governor,  and  his  wife.  We  found  no 
opportunity  for  our  departure  at  the  time  we  had  proposed 
leaving  Alderney,  and  were  literally  confined  there,  until  the 
cud  of  the  following  week,  when  the  way  appeared  to  be  as 
clear  to  return,  as  it  had  been  to  go.  A  vessel  to  take  us — 
the  wind  fair,  and  the  sun  bright.  We  arrived  safely  at 
Castle  Carey,  on  the  evening  of  the  24th  of  the  Seventh 
Month,  and  found  good  accounts  from  home,  and  from  the 
01 


482  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1836. 

party  who  had  preceded  us  to  Jersey ;  thanks  be  to  my  Hea- 
venly Father !  My  too  anxious  and  fearful  mind  having 
been  disposed  to  much  anxiety.  I  had  'not  much  public 
service  in  Guernsey.  Meetings  as  usual  on  First-day.  I 
went  to  see  many  families  of  Friends  and  others,  and  besides 
some  of  the  poor,  visited  the  Hospital,  and  urged  the  great 
need  of  a  Lunatic  Asylum.  The  evening  before  our  depar- 
ture, I  had  a  very  solemn  Public  Meeting,  with  many  inte- 
resting persons  ;  afterwards  several  joined  us  at  Castle  Carey, 
where  we  had  a  time  of  much  interest,  pleasantly  partaking  of 
natural  friendship ;  afterwards  we  were  read  to  by  a  clergy- 
man, and  then  I  had  a  very  solemn  occasion  of  thanksgiving 
and  prayer,  greatly  doubting  my  ever  seeing  most  of  their 
faces  again.  The  next  morning,  John  and  Matilda  Carey, 
their  children,  the  clergyman,  and  our  friends  E.  Richards 
and  family,  all  accompanied  us  to  the  shore,  some  went  with 
us  in  a  boat  to  the  ship,  which  I  entered  in  peace  and  com- 
fort, under  the  belief,  that  I  had  been  in  my  right  allotment 
in  that  island,  and  Alderney.  We  had  a  beautiful  passage 
here,  calm,  and  lovely  weather,  and  had  the  blessing  of  find- 
ing the  party  well. 

Jersey,  19^. — In  this  place  I  find  much  to  occupy  me,  in 
the  Hospital,  the  District  Society,  and  in  the  Prisons.  Wo 
receive  much  kind  attention  from  the  inhabitants  of  the  island. 
I  had  much  to  say  in  a  large  District  Society  Meeting,  yes- 
terday— I  hope  usefully.  I  entered  it  prayerfully,  but  not 
enough  so.  I  have  enjoyed  some  delightful  expeditions  into 
the  lovely  country,  where  we  have  sometimes  taken  our  cold 
dinner,  and  spent  the  day  in  the  rocky  bays.  We  have  also 
joined  two  large  parties  of  the  same  kind,  which  were  pleasant 
to  me ;  my  nature  leads  me  to  be  social,  and  rather  like  gene- 
ral society;  but  I  wish  all  to  be  done  in  the  right  spirit. 
Innocent  recreation,  I  believe,  is  profitable  as  well  as  pleasant. 
Our  Lord  desired  His  servants  to  rest,  and  He  evidently  felt 
for  them  when  they  had  hardly  time  to  eat ;  (6th  chapter 
of  Mark,  31st  verse  ;)  but  this  rest  was  after  labour.  I 


1836.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  483 

believe  our  recreations  are  right,  as  far  as  they  fit  us  for  our 
Master's  service,  and  wrong,  if  they  enervate  and  disqualify 
us  for  it.  I  have  deeply  felt  my  sister  Hoare's  state.  I 
may  say,  in  measure,  I  bear  her  burdens  with  her, — she  has 
my  frequent  prayers,  and  my  tears  often  rise  in  remembrance 
of  her.  My  heart  is  also  much  at  home,  most  tenderly 
interested  for  all  my  children,  more  particularly  my  boys. 
I  think  I  have  cause  for  much  thankfulness  in  the  accounts 
from  them. 

23rJ. — The  letters  on  First-day  brought  ns  3ue  affecting 
intelligence  that  my  much-loved  sister  Hoare  was  worse ; 
her  decline  has  been  rapid  th'e  last  week  or  two.  My  sister 
Cunningham  wrote  to  me,  to  beg  me  to  set  off  to  her  directly; 
this  proved  a  stunning  blow — the  low  estate  of  this  tenderly 
beloved  sister,  the  difficulty  of  getting  to  her,  the  doubts  as 
to  what  I  ought  to  do,  all  upset  me,  as  I  say,  stunned  me. 
What  could  I  do,  but  pray,  in  this  emergency,  to  be  helped 
and  directed  aright ;  that  I  might  faithfully  do  my  duty  to 
all,  and  that  my  poor,  dear,  afflicted  sister  might  be  so 
helped  immediately  by  her  Lord  Himself,  that  no  other  help 
might  be  really  needful  to  her,  yet  the  infirmity  of  my  heart 
led  me  to  pray  also,  that  if  right  for  us,  I  might  see  her 
again,  and  be  some  little  help  and  comfort  to  her  in  her  last 
hours. 

On  calmly  weighing  the  subject,  Elizabeth  Fry  believed 
it  to  be  her  duty  to  remain,  in  Jersey,  until  the  important 
objects  that  had  led  her  thither  were  accomplished.  She 
was  enabled  to  attend  to  each  one,  and  to  leave  with  peace. 

A  Committee  of  Ladies  was  established  for  visiting  the 
Hospital  in  Jersey,  with  the  wife  of  the  Licutenant-Governor, 
General  Campbell,  at  its  head.  The  District  Society  was 
increasing  in  usefulness,  the  new  House  of  Correction  was 
likely  to  be  established  on  the  best  principles ;  and  she  had 
the  comfort  of  knowing,  that  all  these  objects  were  left  under 
the  skilful  and  efficient  superintendence  of  her  kind  friend 


484  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1836. 

Major-General  Touzel,  who  had  been,  with  other  Jersey 
gentlemen,  faithful  coadjutors  in  her  various  labours.  Her 
visits  to  Alderney  and  Guernsey  had,  as  we  have  seen,  been 
accomplished  to  her  own  satisfaction. 

Jersey,  Eighth  Month,  25th. — Since  I  last  wrote,  I  have 
passed  through  much  conflict — indeed  I  have  been  strongly 
drawn  two  ways.  I  now  expect  to  cross  to-morrow ;  but 
some  disc  >cagement  attends  it.  I  am  about  going  to  a 
Public  Meeting  of  importance,  to  finish,  as  I  suppose,  such 
services  here.  Be  pleased,  most  gracious  Lord,  to  be  with 
me  in  this  straitened  place,  help  me  through  this  service, 
by  Thine  own  Spirit,  to  glorify  Thee ;  edify,  comfort,  and 
help  this  people,  and  those  dear  to  me.  Show  me,  I  pray 
Thee,  for  Thy  dear  Son's  sake,  this  token  for  good  in 
my  low  estate — and  if  it  please  Thee,  make  my  way  quite 
clear  before  me ;  if  I  am  called  to  my  beloved  sister,  oh, 
dearest  Lord,  be  Thyself  with  me,  and  all  of  us,  that  we 
may  part  in  peace,  love,  and  joy,  in  Thee.  Amen.  In  Thy 
love  and  pity  in  Christ  Jesus,  hearken  to  my  unworthy  cry. 

Upton  Lane,  Ninth  Month,  13th. — I  was  favoured  to  get 
through  this  Meeting  well.  By  the  close  of  that  day,  I  had 
very  much  concluded  the  various  duties  that  I  was  called  to 
perform  in  that  island.  I  felt  peace  in  going  at  that  time. 
*  #  *  *  *  -^re  |.jien  gej.  Qg^  foun(j  a  comfortable  small 

vessel,  and  a  good  captain.  *  *  *  *  We  had  altogether 
a  pleasant  and  prosperous  voyage. 

On  arriving  at  Hampstead  she  found  her  sister  Hoare  ex- 
tremely ill  and  at  times  unconscious ;  but  she  had  a  return 
of  some  degree  of  brightness,  and  Elizabeth  Fry  writes : — 

I  had  the  inexpressible  comfort  of  being  permitted  a  few 
days  with  her,  and  she  evidently  liked  my  company.  I  par- 
ticularly observed,  how  gently  I  was  dealt  with,  by  her  reviv- 
ing a  little  after  I  arrived,  so  that  I  had  not  the  bitterness 


1836.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  485 

of  seeing  her  at  once  sinking.  The  affliction  was  thus  miti- 
gated to  me  ;  I  was  enabled  to  show  her  some  marks  of  my 
deep  and  true  love,  and  to  be  with  and  earnestly  pray  for  her, 
in  the  hour  of  death.  I  was  helped  to  be  some  comfort  to 
many  of  her  family,  (and  utterly  unworthy  as  I  know  I  am 
of  it)  I  believe  in  my  various  ministrations,  I  was  enabled  to 
prove  the  power  of  the  Spirit  to  qualify  for  his  own  work ; 
and  amongst  them  all,  particularly  with  my  dear  nephew, 
who  has  just  entered  the  "Church,"  deeply  to  impress  the 
necessity  of  the  work  of  the  Spirit  being  carried  on  in  the 
heart;  and  of  having  Christian  charity  towards  others  of 
every  denomination.  My  beloved  sister  Hoare's  death  has 
made  a  deep  impression  on  me.  I  do  not  like  to  enter  life  or 
its  cares,  or  to  see  many,  or  to  be  seen.  I  like  to  withdraw 
from  the  world,  and  to  be  very  quiet.  I  have  naturally 
much  felt  the  event,  though  supported  and  comforted  under  it. 
Tenth  Month,  2nd,  (First-day.) — On  Second-day  morning, 
when  going  into  the  select  Quarterly  Meeting,  with  my  bro- 
ther Samuel,  my  son  William  came  to  tell  us,  that  a  serious 
accident  had  happened  to  my  husband  and  daughter  in  Nor- 
mandy. They  had  been  thrown  down  a  precipice,  the  carriage 
broken  to  pieces,  and  although  they  had  experienced  a  very 
Providential  deliverance,  in  their  lives  being  spared,  and  no 
dangerous  wound  received,  yet  Katharine  was  so  much  hurt, 
and  my  dearest  husband  so  much  shaken,  that  they  wished 
me  to  go  to  them  immediately.  I  gave  up  the  Quarterly 
Meeting  of  course,  and  set  off  with  my  much-loved  son  Wil- 
liam to  Dover,  BO  as  to  cross  by  the  first  packet  to  France. 
I  remember  my  sorrow,  and  perhaps  undue  disappointment, 
in  not  accompanying  them  to  France.  It  seemed  almost  as  if 
my  Heavenly  Father  had  heard  my  murmurings,  as  He  heard 
the  children  of  Israel  in  the  Wilderness,  and  had  taken  me 
to  France,  when  I  did  go-against  my  inclination,  alas !  I 
received  it  also  as  a  lesson  to  have  but  one  prayer  and  desire 
in  all  things,  "that  the  Lord's  will  be  done  on  earth  as  it  i.s 
in  Heaven."  The  accident  was  most  stirious  ;  such  an  escape 


486  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FKY.  [1836. 

I  think  I  never  heard  of ;  the  carriage,  in  the  first  instance, 
fell  with  one  horse  (the  driver  and  the  other  horse  being 
separated  from  them)  about  four  yards  perpendicularly  :  then 
the  carriage  was  dragged  down  about  twenty-six  yards  more. 
The  poor  peasants  came  to  assist,  and  fetched  the  village  doc- 
tor for  the  body  and  the  priest  for  the  soul. 

To  one  of  her  sons  she  writes  from  Calais : — 

Ninth  Month,  2Qth,  1836. 

William  and  I  reached  Dover  soon  after  twelve  o'clock  last 
evening.  We  were  settled  by  one  o'clock,  and  off  about 
half-past  seven  this  morning.  Our  journey  was  an  anxious 
one,  until,  as  the  evening  advanced,  I  became  more  quieted, 
and  trustful  that  all  was  ordered  for  us  in  mercy  and  wisdom. 
We  had  a  very  favourable  passage  of  three  hours ;  and  to 
our  great  satisfaction,  found  your  father  looking  for  us  on  the 
quay.  We  found  our  dearest  Kate  exceedingly  bruised,  and 
very  grievously  hurt  altogether.  Your  dear  father  looks,  I 
think,  shaken  and  aged  by  all  that  he  has  gone  through. 
Mary  has  been  a  very  attentive  nurse.  She  looks  also  jaded, 
but  from  her  excessive  fright,  when  they  were  going  down 
the  hill,  she  knelt  down  and  put  her  head  on  Katherine's  lap, 
by  which  means  her  face  was  perfectly  saved.  And  so  I 
have,  at  last,  touched  French  ground.  William  and  I  have 
not  been  idle ;  we  have  already  visited  the  Prison  and  Hos- 
pital. We  hope  it  may  please  Providence,  in  tender  mercy, 
to  permit  us  all  to  arrive  at  home  next  Seventh-day,  probably 
by  a  packet  that  leaves  this  place  that  morning  for  London. 

Upton  Lane,  Tenth  Month,  15/A. — William  and  I  went 
one  day  to  "  St."  Omer,  and  stayed  till  the  next.  We  had  a 
very  interesting  expedition  ;  his  company  was  sweet  to  me. 

I  was  a  good  deal  instructed,  as  well  as  interested,  in  visit- 
ing the  Roman  Catholic  charities.  The  sacrifice  that  must 
be  made  to  give  up  the  whole  life,  as  the  Sisters  of  Charity 


1836.]  LIFE   OF   ELIZABETH   FRY.  487 

do,  to  teach  and  bring  up  the  poor  children,  and  attend  to  the 
sick  in  their  hospitals,  is  very  exemplary ;  and  the  slackness 
of  some  Protestants,  and  coldness  of  too  many,  led  me  to 
think  that,  whilst  the  meritoriousness  of  good  works  may  be 
unsoundly  upheld  by  the  Roman  Catholics,  yet,  that  it  stimu- 
lates to  much  that  is  excellent ;  and  a  fear  arose  in  my  mind, 
that  the  true  doctrine  that  teaches  that  we  have  no  merit  in 
anything  that  we  do,  is  either  so  injudiciously  represented, 
or  so  misunderstood,  that,  in  too  many  cases,  it  leads  to  lax- 
ity, or  to  sin,  and  a  want  of  diligence  in  works  of  righteous- 
ness and  true  holiness.  I  was  much  interested  in  witnessing 
the  Mass,  but  here  I  thought  I  saw  something  of  the  work  of 
true  religion,  under  what  appeared  to  me,  the  rubbish  of  su- 
perstition and  show.  But  I  also  thought,  that  much  of  the 
same  thing  remained  amongst  Protestants.  I  long  to  see 
true  religion  in  its  purity  and  simplicity,  spread  more  and 
more,  to  the  glory  of  God  and  the  peace  of  men. 

Eleventh  Month,  6th,  (First-day.} — It  has  pleased  our 
Heavenly  Father  to  permit  much  trial  within  the  last  two  or 
three  weeks.  My  dearest  Richenda  has  had  a  very  serious, 
I  may  say  dangerous  illness  ;  one  of  great  suffering.  This 
day  week  her  medical  attendants  were  much  alarmed,  and 
wished  to  have  a  third  called  in  ;  I  deeply  felt  her  state,  but 
very  earnestly  desired  to  have  no  will  in  it,  seeing  I  knew 
not  what  was  best  for  her.  My  prayer  was  most  earnest  for 
her  salvation,  that  whenever  taken  hence,  she  might  be  ready, 
being  washed  and  made  white  in  the  blood  of  the  everlasting 
covenant. 

During  Chenda's  illness,  I  had  very  affecting  accounts 
from  Lynn,  of  dearest  Rachel ;  her  little  Willy  and  his 
nurse  ;  all  in  the  scarlet  fever ;  the  little  boy  very  danger- 
ously ill. 

On  the  17th  of  the  following  month,  Elizabeth  Fry,  accom- 
panied by  some  of  her  associates  in  the  labours  of  the  prisons. 


488  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FEY.  [1837. 

met  by  appointment  a  Committee  of  Gentlemen,  at  the  Great 
Millbank  Penitentiary,  and  she  says: — 

We  found  to  our  great  satisfaction,  that  through  the  Sec- 
retary of  State,  Lord  John  Russell,  our  way  was  fully  open 
to  visit  this  prison,  which  we  had  long  desired  to  do,  but 
never  before  had  gained  access  to  it.  Now,  I  think,  every 
criminal  prison  in  London  is  visited  by  us.  I  see  much  en- 
couragement and  cause  for  thankfulness,  in  our  way  thus 
continuing  to  be  made  in  this  work  of  Christian  love.  I 
went  to  Hampstead  in  the  evening,  truly  affecting  it  was  to 
find  the  real,  great  loss  in  that  dear  family.  I  felt  much 
love  towards  them,  but  did  not  see  religiously  or  naturally, 
that  I  was  very  likely  to  be  able  to  help  them. 

Twelfth  Month,  31st. — Late  in  the  evening,  alone. — I  feel 
it  rather  a  solemn  close  to  this  year ;  not  a  time  of  bright- 
ness, though  abounding  with  causes  for  thankfulness — which 
I  desire  more  deeply  to  feel.  May  my  Lord  grant,  for  His 
dear  Son's  sake,  that  the  Holy  Spirit  may  more  abundantly 
rest  upon  me,  and  mine,  as  our  Guide,  Sanctifier,  and  Com- 
forter. May  I  more  faithfully,  watchfully,  and  humbly,  per- 
form all  my  duties  to  my  Lord,  my  family,  my  friends,  the 
church  generally,  and  the  world,  and  to  myself.  In  afflictions 
may  my  soul  be  possessed  in  patience  and  watchfulness  !  and 
may  every  day  draw  us  nearer  to  God  and  His  kingdom ! 

Upton  Lane,  First  Month,  25th,  1837. — My  heart  and 
mind  have  been  much  occupied,  by  my  brother  Joseph's 
writing  to  inform  me,  that  he  apprehends  it  will  be  his  duty 
to  go  to  America  this  year,  upon  religious  service.  The  sub- 
ject is  deeply  important  and  weighty ;  yet  I  desire  to  rejoice 
in  his  willingness  to  give  up  all  for  the  service  of  his  Lord. 
Though  some  fears  have  arisen,  from  a  sort  of  floating  appre- 
hension I  have  had  for  many  years,  that  I  ought,  or  might, 
go  with  him,  if  ever  he  visited  that  land.  Upon  viewing  it, 
as  it  respects  myself,  I  believe  I  may  truly  say,  I  do  not,  at 
present,  see  any  such  opening.  As  far  as  I  can  see,  home 


1837.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  489 

has  my  first  call  of  duty;  what  the  future  may  produce,  I 
leave ;  but  as  far  as  I  know  my  own  heart,  I  very  earnestly 
desire  to  feel,  continually,  that  I  am  not  my  own,  but  bought 
with  a  price ;  therefore,  I  am  my  Lord's  servant,  and  must 
do  as  I  am  bidden,  even  if  the  service  called  for  appear  to 
me  unreasonable.  But  I  must  further  observe,  that  in  con- 
descending mercy,  I  have  generally  found  in  services  really 
called  for,  there  has  been  a  ripeness,  that  may  be  compared 
to  the  fruit  come  to  maturity.  For  this  service,  for  the  pre- 
sent, I  see  no  way. 

Second  Month,  \\th. — Yesterday,  when  I  went  to  town  to 
visit  Newgate,  I  was  stopped  by  Foster  Reynolds,  saying, 
that  he  had  sad  tidings  for  me — which  proved  to  be,  that  my 
beloved  sister  Harriet  was  most  suddenly  taken,  leaving 
eight  young  children  and  my  poor  dear  brother.  Still,  I  trust 
not  "  left,"  because  surely  the  Lord  will  be  near,  to  help  him 
in  this  very  deep  sorrow.  Of  course  we  are  brought  very 
low  by  this  fresh  family  affliction.  Deeply  do  I  desire,  that 
it  may  be  sanctified  to  us  all.  The  same  post  brought  yes- 
terday, the  account  from  my  brother  Joseph,  that  he  had  laid 
his  concern  to  visit  America  before  his  Monthly  Meeting.  So 
one  brother  is  called  to  do,  the  other  to  suffer; — may  our 
Lord's  will  be  done,  by  and  through  them  both. 

1 5th. — The  funeral  of  my  much  beloved  sister  takes  place  to- 
day. What  a  scene  of  unutterable  sorrow  at  Runcton,  where  a 
few  days  ago,  all  was,  in  no  common  degree,  joy,  peace,  and 
great  prosperity.  Oh  !  what  occasions  are  these,  where  fami- 
lies meet  together,  for  the  affecting  and  solemn  purpose  of 
committing  the  remains  of  a  beloved  one,  to  the  silent  grave. 

May  the  Lord  Himself  lift  up  the  light  of  His  countenance 
upon  them,  bless  them,  and  keep  them  in  a  sound  mind,  and 
sound  faith.  Be  pleased,  oh  gracious  Lord  !  to  help,  pity, 
and  comfort  these  afflicted  ones  this  day. 

How  touching — how  affecting  an  event  was  this !  bringing 
home  the  solemn  truth  that  no  circumstances,  neither  talent, 
62 


490  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH     FRY.  [1837. 

wealth,  beauty,  nor  earthly  rank,  can  avail  anything  when 
the  pale  messenger  is  sent  with  the  awful  summons.  Lady 
Harriet  Gurney  had  entered  the  family,  when  many  of  the 
elder  members  had  reached  the  meridian  of  life.  She  had 
come,  not  alone  to  gladden  her  own  domestic  hearth,  but  to 
diffuse  of  her  bright  loving,  hopeful  spirit  amongst  hei 
husband's  relatives.  For  fourteen  years  she  had,  in  an  ex- 
emplary manner,  fulfilled  the  duties  of  wife"  and  mother, 
friend  and  mistress. 

Her  brother-in-law,  T.  F.  Buxton,  wrote  on  the  day  of  her 
funeral: — "In  seeing  her  coffin  committed  to  the  vault,  I 
could  not  but  feel,  that  it  contained  all  that  remained  of  as 
much  beauty,  and  true  loveliness  of  mind,  body,  and  spirit, 
as  we  ever  saw  removed  from  this  world !" 

Elizabeth  Fry  still  laboured  diligently  in  her  works  of 
mercy,  and  was  mpst  kindly  assisted  by  members  of  the  go- 
vernment. 

Upton  Lane,  Third  Month,  12th. — I  yesterday,  went  to 
the  Colonial  Office  to  meet  Sir  George  Grey,  on  subjects 
respecting  New  South  Wales,  and  the  state  of  the  female 
convicts ;  to  the  Irish  Office,  and  saw  Lord  Morpeth  respect- 
ing National  Schools  and  Prisons,  and  then  to  the  Home 
Office,  about  Jersey  Prisons,  &c.  In  every  one  I  met  with 
a  most  cordial  reception.  So  the  Lord  yet  makes  way  with 
those  in  power. 

Sixth  Month. — The  King  died  last  Third-day,  the  20th. 
Our  young  Queen  was  proclaimed  yesterday.  My  prayers 
have  arisen  for  her,  that  our  Heavenly  Father  would  pour 
forth  His  spirit  upon  her,  guide  her  by  His  counsel,  and 
grant  her  that  wisdom  which  is  from  above.  I  have  re- 
ceived a  long  letter  from  the  Duchess  of ,  containing 

a  very  interesting  account  of  her,  and  the  death  of  the  late 
King. 

Seventfi  Month,  20th. — I  returned  home  yesterday  evening 
from  Lowestoft,  after  having  accompanied  my  brother  Joseph 


1837.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FKY.  491 

to  Liverpool,  on  his  way  to  America.  Our  time  at  Earlham 
was  very  interesting ;  I  believe  I  was  helpful  to  my  brother 
in  a  large  Meeting  that  he  held,  to  take  leave  of  the  citizens 
of  Norwich.  It  was  a  highly  interesting  occasion,  and  I 
trust  edifying  to  many.  I  am  very  sorry  to  say,  my  mind 
has  too  much  the  habit  of  anxiety  and  fearfulness.  I  believe 
this  little  journey  would  have  been  much  more  useful  to  me, 
but  from  an  almost  constant  cloud  over  me,  from  the  fear  of 
being  wanted  by  some  of  my  family.  I  think  it  would  be 
better  for  myself,  and  for  them,  if  they  did  not  always  cling 
so  closely  round  my  hearty  so  as  to  become  too  much  of  a 
weight  upon  me. 

My  beloved  brother's  leave-taking  of  Earlham  and  the 
family  there,  was  very  affecting ;  still  there  was  peace  in  it, 
and  joy  in  the  Lord,  inasmuch  as  there  is  delight  in  doing 
what  we  believe  to  be  His  will.  Of  this,  I  think  we  partook 
with  him.  We  went  from  Earlham  to  Runcton ;  there  we 
dined.  Shall  I  ever  dine  with  my  three  brothers  again  ? 
the  Lord  only  knows — my  heart  was  tendered  in  being  with 
them. 

I  rejoice  that  I  proceeded  with  Joseph,  for  I  did  not,  be- 
fore that,  feel  that  I  had  come  at  his  mind,  he  had  been  so 
much  engaged,  but,  on  the  journey,  I  did  so  very  satisfac- 
torily. Samuel,  Elizabeth,  Joseph  and  myself,  thus  had  a 
time  together,  never  to  be  forgotten.  We  had  much  inter- 
esting conversation  respecting  things  spiritual  and  things 
temporal,  ourselves  and  our  families.  We  proceeded  to  Man- 
chester, where  we  met  our  dear  Jonathan  and  Hannah  Back- 
house, their  children,  and  Eliza  P.  Kirkbride ;  also  William 
Forster.  We  were  a  very  united  company.  That  evening, 
William  Forster  read  the  54th  chapter  of  Isaiah,  expressing 
liis  full  belief,  that  our  dearest  Joseph  would  experience  the 
promises  contained  in  the  last  few  verses.  The  next  day  we 
went  to  Liverpool,  and  spent  much  of  the  morning  in  his 
very  comfortable  ship  ;  we  felt  being  in  it,  for  it  was  very 
touching  parting  with  one  so  tenderly  beloved.  We  made 


492  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1837. 

things  comfortable  for  him,  I  attended  to  the  books,  and 
that  a  proper  library  should  go  out  for  the  crew,  passengers, 
and  steerage  passengers.  However  occupied  or  interested, 
I  desire  never  to  forget  any  thing  that  may  be  of  service  to 
others.  We  had  a  delightful  morning  with  Joseph,  but  the 
tears  often  rose  to  my  eyes  ;  still,  I  desire  to  be  thankful 
more  than  sorrowful,  that  I  have  a  brother  so  fitted  for  his 
Lord's  service,  and  willing  to  give  up  all  for  His  name's 
sake. 

That  evening,  again  we  had  an  interesting  religious  time 
in  prayer.  The  next  morning  there  was  a  solemn  calm  over 
us — the  day  of  parting  was  come.  After  breakfast  we  all 
assembled,  with  some  of  our  friends.  We  read  the  4th  of 
Philippians,  our  spirits  were  much  bowed  and  broken,  but 
the  chapter  encouraged  us  to  stand  fast  in  the  Lord,  to  help 
one  another  in  Christ,  even  the  women  who  laboured  in  the 
gospel,  and,  to  be  careful  for  nothing,  for  that  the  Lord  would 
supply  all  our  need. 

After  her  brother  had  ministered  to  them,  and  prayer  had 
been  offered,  she  adds  : — 

Soon  afterwards  we  went  to  the  ship.  I  saw  the  library 
arranged,  with  some  others  to  help  me  ;  then  devoted  myself 
to  my  beloved  brother,  put  sweet  flowers  in  his  cabin,  which 
was  made  most  comfortable  for  him.  It  was  announced  that 
the  ship  was  going — we  assembled  in  the  ladies'  cabin — I 
believe  all  wept.  William  Forster  said,  the  language  had 
powerfully  impressed  him — "I  will  be  with  you  always,  even 
to  the  end  of  the  world ;"  therefore  we  might  trust  our  beloved 
ones  to  Him  who  had  promised.  I  then  knelt  down  with 
these  words — "Now,  Lord,  what  wait  we  for,  our  hope  is  in 
Thee,"  and  entirely  committed  him  and  his  companions  in 
the  ship,  to  the  most  holy  and  powerful  keeping  of  Israel's 
Shepherd  ;  that  even  the  voyage  might  be  blessed  to  him, 
and  to  others.  In  short,  our  souls  were  poured  forth  before 


1837.]  LIFE    OF   ELIZABETH   FEY.  493 

and  unto  the  Lord,  in  deep  prayer  and  supplication.  Joseph 
almost  sobbed,  still  a  solemn  quiet  and  peace  reigned  over 
us.  I  believe  the  Lord  was  with  us,  and  owned  us  at  this 
solemn  time.  We  left  the  ship,  and  walked  by  the  side  of 
the  Pier,  until  they  were  towed  out ;  then  we  went  away, 
and  wept  bitterly — but  not  the  tears  of  deep  sorrow,  far  from 
it ;  how  different  from  the  grief  for  sin,  or  even  disease,  or 
the  perplexities  of  life. 

Upton  Lane,  Eighth  Month,  6th. — I  am  much  occupied 
about  the  great  Female  Prison  in  Ireland,  also  the  one  at 
Paramatta.  Government  is  wonderfully  kind,  and  I  believe 
much  good  is  likely  to  be  done  by  the  steps  now  being  taken". 

18th. — I  have  believed  it  right  to  have  the  poor  invited,  to 
attend  the  Evening  Meeting  at  Ratcliffe  to-morrow.  These 
are  weighty  engagements  ;  may  the  Holy  Spirit  be  poured 
forth,  for  the  comfort,  help,  and  encouragement  of  the  hearers, 
and  to  my  own  peace. 

Second-day,  20th. — Yesterday,  we  were  favoured  to  get 
well  through  the  Meeting,  the  people  were  very  attentive, 
and  some  appeared  in  tears.  Christ  was  preached  as  the 
"  Way  "  to  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven,  the  sacrifice  for  our 
sins,  and  the  healer  of  our  wounds.  He  appeared  to  me  to 
be  exalted,  through  the  power  of  the  Spirit.  May  I  be 
faithful  in  every  call  of  duty,  trusting  in  Him  who  can 
qualify  me  by  His  own  power. 

Ninth  Month. — Since  this  Meeting,  the  interest  that  others 
have  taken  with  me  in  the  poor  of  Ratcliffe,  has  led  us  to 
look  into  their  deplorable -condition.  We  have  formed  a 
committee  to  visit  them  at  their  houses,  see  their  state,  pro- 
vide a  library  for  their  use,  and  probably  an  infant  school. 
So  one  thing  springs  out  of  another  ! 

Last  Seventh-day,  my  brother  and  sister  Gurney  and  I  went 
to  Crawley,  to  attend  the  little  Meeting  at  Ifield,  and  to  go 
to  William  Allen's  at  Lindfield.  My  brother  said,  that  any 
serious  persons  who  liked  to  attend  the  Meeting  might  do  so, 
and  to  our  surprise,  we  found  a  large  congregation  of  the 


494  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    JRY.  [1837. 

labouring  classes ;  I  should  think  nearly  a  hundred  men  in 
smock-frocks ;  it  was  quite  a  sight.  I  felt  low,  empty,  un- 
worthy, and  stripped  in  spirit,  but  my  Lord  helped  me.  We 
certainly  had  a  solemn  Meeting,  the  people  were  very  atten- 
tive ;  we  also  had  a  very  satisfactory  reading  with  the  people 
at  the  inn.  In  the  evening  we  attended  another  Meeting  at 
Lindfield,  in  which  William  Allen  very  acceptably  united. 
Other  Friends  were  there.  We  also  called  upon  some  poor, 
sorrowful,  destitute  ones.  This  little  excursion  appeared 
blessed  to  our  comfort,  refreshment,  and  peace,  and  I  believe 
had  the  same  effect  on  those  whom  we  visited.  I  observe, 
with  those  who  may  think  they  differ  in  sentiment,  there  is 
nothing  like  bringing  them  together ;  how  often  is  it  then 
found,  that  the  difference  is  more  in  expression  than  reality, 
and  that  the  spirit  of  love  and  charity  breaks  down  the  par- 
tition walls. 

I  have,  for  many  months  past,  deeply  felt  the  wish  for 
more  religious  intercourse  with  my  children,  and  more  uniting 
with  them  upon  important  and  interesting  subjects.  I  have 
turned  it  in  my  mind,  again  and  again,  and  at  last  have  pro- 
posed making  the  experiment,  and  meeting  this  evening — 
first,  to  consider  different  subjects  of  usefulness  in-  charities, 
and  then  to  close  with  serious  reading,  and  such  religious 
communication  as  way  may  open  for. 

Thou,  Lord,  only  knowest  the  depth  of  my  desire,  for  the 
everlasting  welfare  of  my  children  !  If  it  be  Thy  holy  and 
blessed  will,  grant  that  we  may  be  truly  united  to  Thee,  as 
members  of  Thy  Militant  Chureh  on  earth,  and  spiritually 
united  amongst  ourselves,  as  members  of  one  body,  each 
filling  his  different  office,  faithfully  unto  Thee.  Grant  that 
this  little  effort  may  be  blessed  to  promote  this  end,  and 
cause  that  in  making  it,  we  may  experience  the  sweet  influ- 
ence of  Thy  love  shed  abroad  in  each  of  our  hearts,  to  our 
real  help,  comfort,  edification,  and  unity  ! 

To  her  children  she  writes  on  the  subject  of  the  preceding 
paragraph : — 


1837.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  495 

Upton  Lane,  Ninth  Month,  15th,  1837. 
My  dearest  Children, 

Many  of  you  know  that,  for  some  time,  I  have  felt  and  ex- 
pressed the  want  of  our  social  intercourse,  at  times,  leading 
to  religious  union  and  communion  amongst  us.  It  has  pleased 
the  Almighty  to  permit,  that  by  far  the  larger  number  of  you 
no  longer  walk  with  me  in  my  religious  course.  Except  very 
occasionally,  we  do  not  meet  together  for  the  solemn  purpose 
of  worship,  and  upon  some  other  points,  we  do  not  see  eye 
to  eye.  There  are  times  when,  in  my  declining  years,  I  se- 
riously feel  the  loss  of  uot  having  more  of  the  spiritual  help 
and  encouragement  of  those  I  have  brought  up,  and  truly 
sought  to  nurture  in  the  Lord.  This  has  led  me  to  many 
serious  considerations,  how  the  case  may,  under  present  cir- 
cumstances, be  in  any  way  met. 

My  conclusion  is,  that  believing,  as  we  do,  in  one  Lord  as 
our  Saviour,  one  Holy  Spirit  as  our  Sanctifier,  and  one  God 
and  Father  of  us  all,  our  points  of  union  are  surely  strong, 
and  if  we  are  members  of  one  living  Church,  and  expect  to 
be  such  for  ever,  we  may  profitably  unite  in  some  religious 
engagements  here  below. 

The  world  and  the  things  of  it  occupy  us  much,  and  they 
are  rapidly  passing  away — it  would  be  well  if  we  occasionally 
set  apart  a  time  for  unitedly  attending  to  the  things  of  Eter- 
nity. I  therefore  propose  that  we  try  the  following  plan,  if 
it  answer,  continue  it,  if  not,  by  no  means  feel  bound  to  it. 
That  our  party,  in  the  first  instance,  should  consist  of  no 
others  than  our  children,  and  such  grandchildren,  as  may  be 
old  enough  to  attend.  That  our  object  in  meeting,  be  for  the 
strengthening  of  our  faith,  for  our  advancement  in  a  devoted, 
religious,  and  holy  life,  and  for  the  object  of  promoting 
Christian  love  and  fellowship. 

That  wo  read  the  Scriptures  unitedly,  in  an  easy,  familiar 
manner,  each  being  perfectly  at  liberty  to  make  any  remark 
or  ask  any  question ;  that  it  should  be  a  time  of  religious 


496  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1837. 

instruction,  by  seeking  to  understand  the  mind  of  the  Lord, 
for  doctrine  and  practice,  in  searching  the  Scriptures,  and 
bringing  ourselves  and  our  deeds  to  the  light,  that  it  may  be 
made  manifest  if  they  are  wrought  in  God.  That  either 
before,  or  after  the  Scriptures  are  read,  we  should  consider 
how  far  we  are  really  engaged  for  the  good  of  our  fellow- 
men,  and  what,  as  far  as  we  can  judge,  most  conduces  to  this 
object.  All  the  members  of  this  little  community,  are  advised 
to  communicate  any  thing  they  may  have  found  useful,  or 
interesting,  in  religious  books ;  and  to  bring  forward  any 
thing  that  is  doing  for  the  good  of  mankind,  in  the  world 
generally. 

I  hope  that  thus  meeting  together,  may  stimulate  the  family 
to  more  devotion  of  heart  to  the  service  of  their  God,  at 
home  and  abroad  to  mind  their  different  callings,  however 
varied  ;  and  to  be  active  in  helping  others.  It  is  proposed 
that  this  meeting  should  take  place  once  a  month,  at  each 
house  in  rotation. 

I  have  now  drawn  some  little  outline  of  what  I  desire,  and 
if  any  of  you  like  to  unite  with  me  in  making  the  experi- 
ment, it  would  be  very  gratifying  to  me,  still,  I  hope  that 
all  will  feel  at  liberty,  to  do  as  they  think  best  themselves. 

I  am  indeed, 
Your  nearly  attached  mother, 

ELIZABETH  FRY. 

To  comment  on  the  preceding  letter  may  be  unnecessary, 
and  it  would  be  difficult  to  do  so  with  sufficient  delicacy.  The 
reader  will  doubtless  be  impressed  with  the  deep  humility 
which  led  her  to  feel  herself  as  needing  the  "  help  and  encou- 
ragement of  those  "  whom  she  "had  brought  up ; "  and  will  be 
tenderly  touched  with  sympathy,  in  tracing  the  indications  of 
the  severe  trial  entailed  on  her  by  the  departure  of  her 
children  from  union  with  her  in  religious  profession,  and 
consequently  not  affording  her  an  opportunity  of  manifesting 
ner  fervent  solicitude  for  their  spiritual  welfare.  The  plan 


1838.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  497 

that  she  proposed  opened  the  way  for  some  advantages ;  and 
her  sons  were  disposed  to  exert  themselves  to  remedy  several 
serious  evils.  These  little  family  meetings  were  always  con- 
cluded by  reading  a  portion  of  Scripture. 

Twelfth  Month,  20/A.— -I  have  laid  before  my  Monthly 
Meeting  my  prospect  of  visiting  France,  and  obtained  the 
concurrence  of  Friends.  Oh  !  for  help,  daily,  hourly, — and 
may  a  sound  mind,  love,  and  power,  be  granted  to  me  and  to 
others,  to  our  own  peace,  and  the  glory  of  God. 

First-day  Afternoon,  24th. — An  accident  about  carriages 
keeps  me  from  Meeting,  which  I  much  regret.  The  Morn- 
ing Meeting  was  solemn.  After  it,  my  certificate  was  read 
in  our  adjourned  Monthly  Meeting,  which  was  exceedingly 
encouraging  to  me,  it  expressed  great  unity  with  me  as  a 
minister,  and  much  concurrence  in  my  concern  to  go  to 
France.  It  appeared  to  be  signed  by  nearly  the  whole  of 
the  Meeting. 

Upton  Lane,  First  Month,  Gth,  1838. — I  yesterday  re- 
turned from  a  visit  to  Norfolk.  Before  going  there,  I  laid 
my  concern  to  go  to  France,  before  our  large  Quarterly 
Meeting,  and  had  the  very  great  encouragement  of  such  a 
flow  of  unity,  as  I  have  seldom  heard  expressed  upon  any 
occasion. 

24//j. — I  expect  to  leave  home  to-morrow  for  France.  My 
spirit  has  been  very  much  brought  down  before  the  Lord  ; 
some  causes  of  anxiety  have  arisen  ;  still  in  this  my  going 
out,  love  abounds  in  no  common  degree,  and  a  portion  of 
soul-sustaining  peace  underneath.  These  words  comforted, 
me  this  morning,  2  Timothy  i.  12.  "I  know  whom  I  have 
believed,  and  am  persuaded  that  He  is  able  to  keep  that 
which  I  have  committed  unto  Him  against  that  day."  I 
therefore,  in  this  going  out,  commit  myself,  and  my  all,  to 
my  most  blessed  and  holy  Keeper,  even  to  the  Lord  God  of 
my  salvation,  my  only  hope  of  real  help  and  defence,  and 
of  eternal  glory. 
63 


498  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1838. 

She  was  accompanied  in  this  journey,  by  her  husband, 
their  valued  friend  Josiah  Forster,  and  by  Lydia  Irving,  the 
same  young  Friend  who  had  gone  with  her  to  Jersey  in 
1835. 

She  wrote  to  her  family  from — 

Abbeville,  First  Month,  2&th. 

We  left  Boulogne  yesterday  morning,  in  a  very  comfort- 
able French  carriage,  we  enjoyed  our  reading  and  conversa- 
tion, until  we  arrived  at  Montreuil,  where  we  were  refreshed 
by  a  little  bouillon ;  and  then  proceeded  to  this  place ;  but 
the  cold  was  bitter,  and  neither  French  fires,  nor  tea,  nor 
any  other  means  proved  sufficient  to  warm  us.  As  the  fol- 
lowing morning  advanced,  my  sense  of  mercy  and  peace  was 
great.  I  remembered  that  some  devoted  Christian  expressed, 
''where  the  God  of  peace  is,  there  is  home."  After  breakfast 
we  read  as  usual,  then  Josiah  Forster  went  out ;  but  he  could 
hear  of  no  Protestants,  nor  of  any  place  of  worship  for  them ; 
nor  of  any  place  desirable  for  us  to  visit,  excepting  one  hos- 
pital, one  convent,  and  one  prison.  These  we  visited,  after 
having  had  a  very  solemn  and  sweet  meeting  in  our  own 
room.  That  text  was  feelingly  brought  to  our  minds,  "  where 
two  or  three  are  met  together  in  my  name,  there  am  I  in  the 
midst  of  them." 

I  find  my  small  knowledge  of  the  language  very  valuable, 
I  can  read  to  thejille  de  chambre,  and  in  some  degree  con- 
vey my  feelings  and  sentiments,  enough  to  produce  sympathy 
and  interest.  In  our  visit  to  the  prison,  convent,  and  hos- 
pital, I  found  this  to  be  the  case. 

To  go  now  to  minor  points  :  picture  us, — our  feet  on  some 
fleeces  that  we  have  found,  generally  wrapped  up  in  cloaks, 
surrounded  by  screens,  to  keep  off  the  air ;  the  wood  fire  at 
our  feet.  We  have  just  finished  an  interesting  reading  in 
French,  in  the  New  Testament,  with  the  landlady,  her 
daughters,  and  some  of  the  servants  of  the  hotel,  they  ap- 
peared very  attentive,  and  much  interested. 


1838.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  499 

Farewell,  my  dearly  beloved  ones.  May  the  Lord  be  with 
you,  and  keep  you,  and  bless  you  ! 

Your  tenderly  attached, 

E.  F. 

In  Paris,  comfortable  and  commodious  apartments  were 
prepared  for  them  at  the  Hotel  de  Castille,  by  the  kind  atten- 
tion of  F.  Delessert.  They  arrived  there  very  tired  and 
very  cold,  on  the  30th  of  the  First  Month.  The  morning  of 
the  31st  was  opened  with  solemn  prayer,  in  which  E.  Fry 
besought  wisdom  from  on  High  to  direct,  and  strength  to 
perform  whatever  might  be  called  for  at  their  hands.  Then 
came  a  visit  from  their  kind  friend  Delessert,  two  notes  from 
Lord  Granville,  the  English  Ambassador  at  Paris :  a  call  at 
the  Embassy,  and  in  the  evening  the  company  of  M.  de 
Pressense,  the  Secretary  of  the  Bible  Society,  with  his  wife. 

Second  Month,  1st,  they  attended  the  small  Friends' 
Meeting  held  in  the  Faubourg  du  Roule,  and  afterwards 
called  on  La  Baronne  Pelet  de  la  Lozere.  In  her,  Elizabeth 
Fry  found  a  friend  and  sister  in  Christ.  They  then  paid  a 
visit  to  Count  Montalivet,  Minister  of  the  Interior,  by  whom 
they  were  most  kindly  received,  and  promised  all  needful 
admissions  to  the  different  prisons. 

Afterwards,  at  the  Hotel,  they  received  visits  from  the 
Duchess  de  Broglie  and  other  ladies.  The  following  day 
found  Elizabeth  Fry  oppressed  and  feverish,  and  evidently 
suffering  from  the  cold  which  she  had  endured  on  her  journey. 
Her  new  friends  all  displayed  lively  sympathy,  whilst  the 
Baroness  Pelet,  in  particular,  neglected  no  kindness  or  atten- 
tion that  appeared  likely  to  add  to  her  comfort. 

The  3rd,  though  too  unwell  to  go  out,  she  received  in  the 
evening  M.  de  Metz,  Conseiller  de  la  Cour  Iloyalc,  and  had 
much  important  conversation  with  him  on  the  subject  of 
Prisons,  in  which  ho  was  greatly  interested.  On  First-day, 
she  and  her  companions  visited  a  school  conducted  by  M.  do 
Pressens^,  for  two  hundred  children;  a  cheerful  and  de- 


500  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1838. 

lightful  sight.  At  twelve  o'clock  they  attended  Friends' 
Meeting :  there  were  assembled  French,  English,  a  Pole, 
and  Americans.  Among  this  motley  group  might  be  found 
Roman  Catholics,  Presbyterians,  Episcopalians,  various  Dis- 
senters, with  Friends. 

On  Second-day,  the  5th,  they  visited  the  "  St."  Lazare 
Prison  for  women,  containing  nine  hundred  and  fifty-two  in- 
mates ;  a  very  melancholy  sight.  An  American  lady  invited 
the  party  to  her  house  in  the  evening,  where  she  received 
about  fifty  individuals,  mostly  English  and  Americans.  The 
conversation  turned  upon  the  general  state  of  society  in 
Europe,  but  especially  in  France,  and  what  would  be  the 
most  likely  means  of  benefiting  its  polished,  refined,  but  dis- 
sipated and  irreligious  capital.  The  fearful  writings  of  the 
day,  "  many  too  bad  to  read,"  were  discussed,  and  what 
might  be  the  root  of  a  tree,  the  branches  of  which  bore  fruit 
of  such  deadly  nature.  There  was  present,  on  that  occasion, 
a  young  medical  student,  who  addressed  himself  to  Elizabeth 
Fry  on  the  fearful  contamination  to  which  young  men  in  his 
position  were  exposed — no  domestic  home  to  retire  to,  none 
of  that  indefinable,  but  potent  influence  around  them,  of 
public  opinion  in  favour  of  virtue  and  morality,  their  studies 
all  tending  to  materialism,  and  to  the  lessening  of  that  depen- 
dence upon  an  unseen  superior  Power,  which  lingers  even 
in  the  unregenerate  heart  of  man ;  and  above  all,  little  or 
no  opportunity  afforded  them  for  the  commonest  religious 
advantages.  This  large  gathering  concluded  by  solemn  ex- 
hortation and  prayer. 

On  the  6th,  accompanied  by  M.  F.  Delessert,  the  travellers 
visited  a  French  Protestant  school,  for  two  hundred  children, 
on  the  British  and  Foreign  system,  admirably  conducted  by 
a  valuable  committee  of  ladies.  They  (Jined  at  M.  de  Pres- 
sense's,  where  was  a  large  party  afterwards.  Many  of  them 
active  members  of  the  Societe"  Evangelique.  Elizabeth  Fry 
entered  deeply  into  their  labours  of  love,  and  spoke  of  this 
occasion  as  very  encouraging  to  her,  when  she  compared  it 


1838.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  501 

•with  the  state  of  things  in  France  during  her  youth,  and 
how  unlikely  it  then  seemed,  that  such  a  dawn  of  better 
things  would  ever  appear  there. 

The  7th,  they  received  many  guests  both  morning  and 
evening,  and  in  the  course  of  the  day,  accompanied  the 
Duchess  de  Broglie  to  the  Prison  des  Jeunes  Detenus,  a 
good,  new  building,  the  inmates  well  ordered,  but  still  capable 
of  improvement. 

The  following  day  was  occupied  by  attending  their  Meet- 
ing in  the  morning,  and  in  the  evening  receiving  a  number 
of  ladies  to  consider  how  they  might,  in  the  best  manner, 
promote  good  in  the  city,  in  Prisons,  Schools,  District 
Societies,  and  similar  objects.  The  evening  was  finished  by 
reading  the  15th  chapter  of  Luke. 

On  the  9th,  the  Prison  for  men  (La  Force)  was  visited. 

The  10th,  they  inspected  the  Military  Prison  at  St.  Ger- 
mains,  which  appeared  to  them  to  be,  upon  the  whole,  well 
conducted  and  in  tolerable  order ;  books  they  found  to  be 
greatly  wanted.  Afterwards  they  saw  the  Central  Prison 
at  Poissy ;  whilst  they  admired  its  good  order,  they  con- 
sidered it  not  sufficiently  penal,  too  much  like  a  large  manu- 
factory for  different  trades,  instead  of  a  place  of  punishment. 

The  following  day — the  First  of  the  week — was  indeed 
welcome,  for  its  Sabbath  was  greatly  needed  by  Elizabeth 
Fry.  She  desired  that  it  might  be  free  from  company,  and 
prove  a  season  of  refreshment,  the  press  of  people  being  so 
great,  and  the  subjects  for  consideration  so  many  and  so  ex- 
ceedingly important.  The  Meeting  was  not  a  very  large 
one,  in  it  their  certificates  were  read.  They  appeared  much 
to  interest  those  who  heard  them,  and  opened  the  way  for 
a  little  explanation  of  Friends'  principles.  There  were  a 
few  callers  in  the  evening,  amongst  others,  a  gentleman  inte- 
rested about  prisons,  who  remained  during  their  Scripture 
reading,  at  which  some  of  the  servants  of  the  Hotel  were 
also  present. 

On  the  12th,  they  visited  the  Prison  of  the  Conciergerie. 


502  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FKY.  [1888 

There  they  saw  the  room  where  the  unhappy  Marie  An- 
toinette had  been  confined.  They  took  tea  at  the  Methodist 
minister's,  and  passed  an  interesting  evening  with  a  large 
party  of  his  congregation.  At  this  time  and  in  her  subse- 
quent visits  to  France,  Elizabeth  Fry's  sympathies  were 
much  drawn  forth  towards  the  French  Methodists,  who  ap- 
peared to  her  to  be  an  earnest  and  spiritual  people. 

The  next  morning  they  went  to'  some  schools ;  one,  an 
Infant  School,  was  particularly  attractive ;  the  superintendents 
appearing  well  adapted  for  their  important  post ;  money  was 
given  to  purchase  the  little  creatures  each  a  bun,  which 
highly  delighted  them,  their  happy  faces  showing  how  pleased 
they  were.  Also  an  Hospital,  and  the  Enfans  Trouve's,  were 
visited.  Elizabeth  Fry's  maternal  tenderness  and  expe- 
rience, led  her  to  give  some  advice  about  the  poor  babies' 
dress,  that  it  might  be  less  complicated,  and  afford  them 
more  liberty  of  movement.  The  nuns  appeared  kind.  The 
Hospital  they  found  very  close,  and  wanting  ventilation.  The 
evening  was  passed  at  M.  Lutteroth's,  where  between  fifty 
and  sixty  persons  were  present,  "  many  amongst  them  truly 
serious." 

On  the  14th,  another  visit  was  paid  to  the  Women's  Prison 
of  "  St."  Lazare.  There,  after  going  over  the  building,  the 
women  were  collected  at  Elizabeth  Fry's  request,  that  a  por- 
tion of  Scripture  might  be  read  to  them.  She  chose  the 
parable  of  the  prodigal  son.  It  was  beautifully  read  by  a 
French  lady,  from  the  Roman  Catholic  Prayer  Book.  A 
pause  ensued,  then  Elizabeth  Fry  commented  upon  it,  the 
same  lady  translated  for  her,  sentence  by  sentence.  It  was 
exceedingly  well  done,  losing  little  or  nothing  of  its  solemnity. 
The  women  were  touched  and  impressed.  She  then  asked 
them  whether  they  would  like  ladies  to  visit  them,  read  to 
them,  and  sympathize  with  them.  The  offer  was  eagerly 
accepted.  "  Oui,  oui,"  "Eh,  moi,  aussi!"  came  from  all 
sides ;  nor  was  it  only  these  poor  outcasts,  and  those  accom- 
panying Elizabeth  Fry  who  wept,  the  jailor  and  turnkeys 


1838.]  LIPE  OP  ELIZABETH  FEY.  503 

•who  had  entered  the  room,  contrary  to  her  wishes,  were  so 
affected  that  tears  ran  down  their  cheeks. 

They  saw  on  the  15th,  a  school  for  about  forty-five  Pro- 
testants, many  of  them  training  for  servants.  To  find  atten- 
tion paid  to  this  class  gave  them  much  satisfaction.  The  next 
day  some  more  "delightful  schools"  were  inspected,  and  a 
prison  for  debtors. 

In  the  evening,  the  meeting  of  persons  interested  in  the 
promotion  of  philanthropic  objects,  which  had  been  adjourned 
the  preceding  week,  again  assembled ;  much  interesting  con- 
versation took  place.  As  on  the  previous  occasion,  it  was 
concluded  by  reading  a  portion  of  the  Holy  Scriptures  and 
solemn  silence. 

On  the  17th,  Elizabeth  Fry  had  an  interview  with  the 
prison  officers,  and  obtained  much  information  respecting  the 
state  of  the  "  St."  Lazare  Female  Prison.  The  Baroness 
Pelet  and  a  lady  named  Mallet  interpreted  for  her.  They 
saw  M.  Toase  on  the  subject  of  fitting  up  a  room,  as  a  library, 
for  the  benefit  of  English  and  American  students,  and  in  the 
evening  they  went  to  the  American  clergyman's  to  meet 
some  of  the  students,  who  are  invited  there  once  in  every 
week  to  read  the  Scriptures,  &c.,  &c.  A  young  Englishman 
present  expressed  himself  strongly ;  warning  his  contempo- 
raries ;  first,  on  the  awful  prevalence  of  taking  the  sacred 
name  in  vain,  secondly,  the  desecration  of  the  Sabbath,  and 
thirdly,  against  the  literature  of  modern  France,  poisoned,  as 
it  is,  with  infidelity  and  licentiousness. 

On  the  20th,  they  visited  the  Salpetriere,  an  Hospital  for 
the  old,  infirm,  epileptic,  idiotic  and  insane. 

A  third  visit  was  paid  on  the  21st  to  the  "  St."  Lazare,  in 
company  with  Lady  Granville,  Lady  Georgiana  Fullerton, 
and  two  other  ladies.  From  what  was  witnessed  in  these 
visits,  it  was  obvious,  that  great  good  would  result  from  the 
regular  attendance  of  a  Ladies'  Committee,  though  it  was  no 
easy  matter  to  arrange  it. 


504  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1838. 

Elizabeth  Fry  visited  the  King  and  Queen  and  the  Duchess 
of  Orleans. 

Before  leaving  Paris  she  addressed  a  memorial  to  the  King, 
touching  on  the  subjects  that  so  deeply  occupied  her  thoughts, 
but  beyond  every  other  thing,  urging  a  more  extended  circu- 
lation of  Holy  Scriptures,  and  their  free  use  in  all  public 
institutions  in  France. 

From  "  St."  Germains  she  wrote  to  her  children. 

Third  Month,  5th,  1838 

We  arrived  here  last  evening,  after  quitting  the  most 
deeply  interesting  field  of  service,  I  think  I  was  ever  engaged 
in.  My  first  feeling  is,  peace  and  true  thankfulness  for  the 
extraordinary  help  granted  to  us ;  my  next  feeling,  an  ear- 
nest desire  to  communicate  to  you,  my  most  tenderly  beloved 
children,  and  others  nearest  to  me,  the  sense  that  I  have  rf 
the  kindness,  and  goodness,  and  mercy,  of  my  Heavenly 
Father,  who  has  dealt  so  bountifully  with  me  ;  that  it  may 
lead  all  to  serve  Him  fully,  love  Him  more,  and  follow  more 
simply  the  guidance  of  his  Spirit. 

After  a  full  detail  of  their  labours  in  the  capital,  she  pro- 
ceeds : — 

Our  visit  to  the  King  and  the  Queen  was  interesting ;  but 
alas  !  what,  in  reality,  is  rank  ?  The  King  I  think,  in  person, 
like  the  late  Lord  Torrington,  the  Queen  a  very  agreeable 
and  even  interesting  woman.  I  expressed  my  religious  inte- 
rest and  concern  for  them,  which  was  well  received,  and  we 
had  much  conversation  with  the  Queen  and  the  Princess 
Adelaide,  before  the  King  came  into  the  room.  We  strongly 
expressed  to  the  Queen  our  desire  to  have  the  Sabbath  better 
kept,  and  the  Scriptures  more  read.  She  is  a  sweet-minded, 
merciful  woman.  There  were  present  Madame  Adelaide, 
the  King's  sister,  one  of  the  young  Princesses,  and  the  Mar- 
chioness of  Dolomieu,  principal  Lady  of  Honour  to  the 
Queen. 


1838.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  505 

We  then  proceeded  to  the  Duchess  of  Orleans' ;  there  we 
had  a  delightful  visit,  the  sweetest  religious  communication 
with  her,  and  other  interesting  conversation.  We  found  her 
an  uncommon  person — my  belief  is,  that  she  is  a  very  valu- 
able young  woman. 

The  Queen  appeared  much  pleased  with  my  Text-book ;  and 
the  Princess  Adelaide  said,  she  should  keep  it  in  her  pocket 
and  read  it  daily.  Indeed  no  books  have  given  the  same 
pleasure  as  the  Text-books,  both  in  French  and  English.  I 
think  we  have  given  away  many  hundreds  of  them,  and  next, 
in  number,  my  sister  Louisa's  books  on  education ;  they  delight 
the  people ;  also  a  great  many  of  Joseph's  Letters  to  Dr. 
A . 

Her  fatigues  had  been  frequent  and  severe,  and  she  was 
at  times  really  ill ;  yet  she  concludes  her  report  as  follows  : 

Through  all  I  must  say,  He,  who  I  believe  put  me  forth, 
has,  from  season  to  season,  restored  my  soul  and  body,  and 
helped  me  from  hour  to  hour.  This  day  week  I  sat  down 
upon  my  chair  and  wept,  but  I  was  soon  helped  and  revived. 
I  long  for  every  child,  brother,  sister,  and  all  near  to  me,  to 
be  sensible  how  very  near  my  Holy  Helper  has  been  to  me  ; 
and  yet  I  have  exceedingly  and  deeply  felt  my  utter  unwor- 
thiness  and  short  coming,  and  that  all  is  from  the  fulness  and 
freeness  of  unmerited  mercy  and  love,  in  Christ  Jesus.  I  can 
hardly  express  the  very  near  love  I  have  felt  for  you  all. 
My  prayers  very  often  have  risen  for  you,  and  if  any  labour* 
I  have  been  engaged  in,  has  been  accepted  through  the  Be- 
loved, may  you,  my  most  tenderly  beloved  ones,  partake  of 
the  blessing  attendant  upon  it. 

I  forgot  to  say,  I  think  the  few  Friends  in  Paris  have  been 
greatly  comforted  and  stimulated  by  our  visit. 

I  end  my  account  by  saying  what  I  trust  is  true,  "  The 
Lord   is  my  Shepherd,  I  shall   not  want."     We  are  now 
quietly  at  "  St."  Gcrmains.     We  hear  most  interesting  ac- 
04 


506  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1838. 

counts  of  the  state  of  Normandy,  and  have  many  letters  of 
introduction  to  the  places  where  we  propose  to  go ;  if  not 
wanted  home,  I  shall  be  glad  to  go  there.  We  propose  being 
at  llouen  to-morrow.  I  am, 

Your  most  tenderly  attached, 

ELIZABETH  FRY. 

At  Rouen  they  were  much  interested  by  meeting  with  a 
respectable  woman  in  humble  life,  who  had  lived  nurse  fifteen 
years  in  a  gentleman's  family,  a  Roman  Catholic,  but  his  wife 
a  Protestant.  There  she  had  been  so  much  impressed  by  re- 
ligious truth,  (though  still  a  Roman  Catholic  herself)  that 
she  felt  it  her  duty,  where  she  resided,  to  circulate  the 
Scriptures  and  religious  tracts.  Her  master  told  them,  it 
was  surprising  the  great  influence  she  had  obtained  in  the 
neighbourhood.  Elizabeth  Fry  supplied  her  with  six  Testa- 
ments and  a  Bible,  fr6m  the  Bible  Society  Depot.  From  the 
same  Society  she  obtained  a  number  of  copies  for  the  school 
in  the  prison,  where  the  Testament  was  habitually  read,  but 
the  supply  very  inadequate.  This  school  was  under  the  care 
of  the  Abbe  Gossier,  Du  Hamel,  and  other  religious  gentle- 
men, who  themselves  daily  instructed  the  young  prisoners. 

At  Caen,  they  found  some  excellent  and  devoted  Methodists 
amongst  the  French  ;  and  learned  that,  through  the  efforts  of 
one  young  English  woman,  (an  orphan  residing  in  a  gentle- 
man's family  as  governess) — many  copies  of  the  Scriptures 
had  been  purchased  :  and  at  the  shop  of  a  Roman  Catholic, 
more  than  a  hundred  of  de  Sacy's  Testaments  sold  since  the 
beginning  of  the  year. 

The  Prison  of  Beaulieu  near  Caen  was  visited  by  them 
with  much  satisfaction ;  nearly  a  thousand  prisoners  were 
confined  there ;  they  found  it  admirably  regulated,  and  a 
serious  Roman  Catholic  clergyman  devoted  to  the  good  of 
those  under  his  care.  He  gladly  welcomed  the  gift  of  fifty 
Testaments. 

At  Havre,  the  Ladies'  Bible  Society  had  sold,  during  the 


1838.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  507 

former  year,  four  hundred  and  twenty-six  Testaments,  and 
thirty-three  Bibles,  and  had  given  fifty  Testaments  to  soldiers, 
who  were  in  the  habit,  every  evening,  of  reading  them  to 
their  comrades  in  barracks 

At  Boulogne,  they  made  arrangements  for  the  sale  of  the 
Holy  Scriptures,  and  took  a  lively  interest  in  the  District 
Society,  thence  crossed  to  Dover,  and  on  the  following  day 
Elizabeth  Fry  had  the  comfort  of  reaching  home. 

Upton  Lane,  Fourth  Month,  21th. — Yesterday  was  the 
largest  British  Society  Meeting  I  ever  remember,  partly  col- 
lected to  hear  my  account  of  our  French  journey  ;  there 
must  have  been  some  hundreds  of  ladies  present,  many  of 
them  of  rank.  In  the  desire  not  to  say  too  much,  perhaps  I 
said  too  little  upon  some  points,  although  I  do  not  feel  con- 
demned, yet  I  am. ready  to  think  if  I  had  watched  and  prayed 
more,  I  should  have  done  better — my  prayers  have  arisen, 
that,  however  imperfectly  or  unworthily  sown,  the  seed  scat- 
tered yesterday,  may  be  so  prospered  by  His  own  free  power, 
life,  and  grace,  that  it  may  bear  a  full  crop  to  His  praise  ! 

Fifth  Month,  8th. — I  have  just  had  a  serious  faintness  for 
a  short  time ;  at  times,  I  think  I  may  be  suddenly  taken  off  in 
one  of  these  attacks — they  appear  to  have  so  much  to  do  with 
the  heart.  If  perfectly  ready,  by  being  washed  and  made 
clean  in  the  blood  of  the  Everlasting  Covenant,  then,  I  think 
that  a  rapid  translation,  from  time  to  eternity,  may  save  much 
pain  and  sorrow.  But  all  these  things,  I  am  disposed  to  leave 
wholly  to  the  Lord,  who  has,  through  his  unutterable  mercy, 
been  remarkably  with  me  in  life,  and  will,  I  believe,  be  with 
me  in  death.  So  be  it,  Lord  Jesus  !  when  Thou  comest,  even 
if  it  be  quickly,  through  Thine  own  merits  receive  me  unto 
Thyself! 

2()th. — To-morrow  I  am  fifty-eight,  an  advanced  period  of, 
what  I  apprehend  to  be,  not  a  very  common  pilgrimage.  I 
now  very  earnestly  desire  and  pray  that  my  Lord  may  guide 
me  continually,  cause  me  to  know  more  of  the  day  of  Ilia 


508  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FEY.  [1838. 

power,  that  I  may  have  my  will  subjected  to  His  will.  What 
He  would  have  me  to  do,  that  may  I  do,  where  He  would 
have  me  to  go,  there  may  I  go — what  He  may  call  me  to 
suffer  for  His  name  sake,  may  I  be  willing  to  suffer.  Further, 
may  He  keep  me  from  all  false  fears  and  imaginations,  and 
ever  preserve  me  from  putting  my  hand  to  any  work,  not 
called  for  by  Him.  Be  pleased  to  grant  these  my  desires 
and  prayers,  for  Thine  own  Holy  and  Blessed  Name's  sake  ! 

Seventh  Month,  8th. — This  day  I  enter  with  much  fear  and 
trembling,  as  we  are  looking  forward  to  a  very  important 
Meeting,  to  be  held  at  the  Westminster  Meeting  House,  at 
the  request  of  Hannah  Backhouse,  to  which  foreigners  of 
rank,  and  our  own  nobility,  are  invited.  The  weight  ia 
great — very  great,  from  various  causes. 

14fA. — The  Meeting  was  attended  by  many  high  in  rank. 
Soon  after  we  assembled,  William  Allen  spoke  for  some  time, 
then  I  knelt  down,  and  felt  much  unction  and  power  in 
prayer  for  the  Queen,  &c.  After  Hannah  Backhouse  had 
spoken,  in  a  lively,  simple,  powerful  manner,  preaching  the 
truths  of  the  gospel,  several  went  out.  I  then  rose,  first 
endeavouring  to  show  that  truth  must  not  be  despised,  be- 
cause it  came  through  weak  instruments.  I  mentioned  how 
Anna  in  the  Temple  spoke  of  our  Lord  to  all  who  looked  for 
redemption  in  Israel,  how  the  women  first  told  of  our  Lord's 
resurrection,  and  that  their  fellow-disciples  called  it  "  idle 
tales."  Aft  er  thus  showing  that  the  Lord  might  see  right  to 
use  weak  instruments,  I  expressed  my  feelings  towards  those 
present.  First,  from  Scripture,  I  showed  that  God  is  no 
respecter  of  persons,  that  from  the  palace  to  the  very  dungeon, 
I  continually  saw  this.  Then  I  showed  the  important  and 
responsible  situation  of  those  who  fill  high  places  in  the 
world.  Either  they  would  be  blessed  themselves  and  be  a 
blessing  to  others,  as  a  city  set  on  a  hill,  their  light  shining 
before  men;  or  they  would  be  of  the  number  of  those, 
through  whom  offences  come,  and  therefore  with  the  "curso 
of  the  Lord  "  resting  on  them.  I  showed  them  some  of  their 


1838.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  509 

peculiar  temptations,  in  being  clothed  in  purple  and  fine 
linen,  and  faring  sumptuously  every  day ;  and  warned  them, 
seeking  to  lead  them  to  Christ,  and  to  eternal  glory,  through 
Him.  At  the  close,  I  had  a  few  words  to  express  in  the  way 
of  exhortation,  as  to  their  example  in  their  houses,  amongst 
children  and  servants,  reading  the  Holy  Scriptures,  family 
worship,  and  other  points. 

In  the  Eighth  Month  of  this  year,  Elizabeth  Fry  entered 
on  another  visit  to  Friends  of  Scotland ;  for  which,  as  well 
as  for  any  other  service  that  might  open  as  a  duty  to  be  per- 
formed, she  was  liberated  and  cordially  encouraged  by  the 
Monthly  and  Quarterly  Meetings  to  which  she  belonged. 

She  was  accompanied  by  her  sister  Elizabeth  Fry,  and  by 
her  esteemed  friends  William  Ball  and  John  Sanderson. 
Proceeding  by  Birmingham  to  Carlisle,  thence  to  Edinburgh, 
Perth,  and  Forfar,  they  reached  Aberdeen  on  the  18th.  The 
two  following  days  were  devoted  to  the  attendance  of  the 
General  Half-year's  Meeting,  and  to  visits  to  the  Friends  of 
that  district.  Amongst  others,  one  a  very  old  and  valued 
friend,  John  Wigham.  He  had  been  to  her  as  a  "  nursing 
father"  in  the  early  part  of  her  religious  course. 

The  intercourse  with  him  is  thus  described  by  one  of  her 
travelling  companions: 

"  It  was  much  like  the  meeting  and  interchange  of  parent  and 
child,  after  long  separation  and  many  vicissitudes;  and  these  last, 
as  they  had  affected  our  dear  friend  in  the  interval,  were  freely 
spoken  of  by  her,  with  that  deep  feeling,  chastened  into  resignation, 
which  so  remarkably  covers  her  subjected  spirit,  in  relation  to  thcso 
affecting  topics.' 

The  same  Friend — giving  a  sketch  of  her  varied  engage- 
ments— remarks  that  she 

"  Visited  the  prison  of  Aberdeen,  in  company  with  A.  and  M. 
Wigham,  the  Provost,  Sheriff,  Town  Clerk,  and  Bailie  Blackic. 
The  Bailie  is  a  valuable  man,  who  has  done  a  great  deal  for  the  im- 


510  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1838. 

provement  of  the  gaol,  which  Elizabeth  Fry  finds  very  materially 
mended  ;  in  fact,  in  excellent  order.  The  authorities  here,  are  most 
anxious  to  facilitate  Elizabeth  Fry's  inspection,  and  to  forward  her 
views,  well  knowing  them  to  be  the  result  of  the  enlarged  observa- 
tion, and  long  experience  of  a  practical,  judicious  mind,  as  well  as 
of  close  and  heartfelt  interest  in  the  subject. 

"  A  meeting  has  been  held  with  the  ladies  of  Aberdeen  this 
evening,  at  our  Hotel,  when  prison  matters  were  discussed,  and 
things  put  in  train  for  forming  a  regular  association,  ere  we  leave 
the  city.  Elizabeth  Fry's  capacity  for  various  successive  engage- 
ments, all  of  an  important  nature,  is  astonishing.  Surely,  it  is 
because  she  dwells  mentally  in  the  '  quiet  habitation/  to  which  she 
continually  resorts,  for  the  renewal  of  that  calming  influence  of  the 
Spirit,  which  purifies  the  heart,  clears  the  understanding,  and  rec- 
tifies the  judgment,  bestowing  upon  the  truly  devoted  follower  of 
the  Lamb, '  the  spirit  of  love,  and  of  power,  and  of  a  sound  mind.' 
She  is  both  lovely  and  wonderful  on  close  acquaintance ;  such 
energy,  combined  with  meekness,  and  so  much  power  with  entire 
teachableness,  are  rarely  found." 

We  continue  to  extract  from  the  narrative  of  her  companion 
William  Ball. 

"  Edinburgh,  First-day,  2Qth. — Our  little  party  sat  together 
after  the  manner  of  Friends  this  morning.  Dear  Priscilla  Johnston 
joined  us.  I  felt  afresh,  that  it  is  a  privilege  to  know  that  the 
worship  of  God,  is  in  spirit  and  in  truth ;  and  may  be  rendered 
acceptable  wherever  contrite  hearts  are  reverently  turned  towards 
Him,  in  dependence  on  the  mediation  of  His  beloved  Son,  who  is 
ever  near  to  those,  if  only  '  two  or  three,'  who  are  met  to  offer  this 
worship  in  His  name."  *  *  *  "  Elizabeth  Fry  and  her  sister 
had  desired  to  meet  with  the  fishermen  about  Anstruther  this 
evening ;  but  we  were  all  taken  by  surprise  on  going  down  to  the 
town,  to  find  that  this  simple,  religious  gathering,  turned  out  to 
be  a  very  large  and  crowded  Meeting.  The  room  we  had  arranged 
for,  not  having  proved  nearly  capable  of  containing  the  people, 
they  had  flocked  to  a  chapel  near,  the  service  of  which  (and  of 
some  others  I  believe)  was  put  off  to  give  place  for  a  Public  Meet- 


1838.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FET.  511 

ing  of  Friends.  We  had  expected  to  sit  down  with  the  poor  fish- 
ermen, in  a  much  more  private  way.  John  Sanderson  stated  to 
the  asssemblage  that  we  began  with  a  pause  of  silence.  Then 
Elizabeth  Fry  explained  our  views  on  worship,  rather  in  the  way 
of  an  affectionate  introductory  address.  Her  sister  E.  Fry  bent 
the  knee  in  prayer.  After  which,  Elizabeth  Fry  was  strengthened, 
in  a  very  striking  manner,  to  proclaim  the  glad  tidings  of  the  gos- 
pel of  life  and  salvation — truly  an  awakening  ministry  !  Her 
sister  followed,  enlarging  on  the  nature  and  fruits  of  true  repent- 
ance ! — then  Elizabeth  Fry  addressed  the  sea-faring  men,  most 
appropriately  and  feelingly,  warned  the  sinners  emphatically,  and 
was  afterwards  engaged  in  fervent  prayer.  At  the  close  of  this 
memorable  Meeting,  Andrew  Johnston  briefly  addressed  this  large 
assembly  of  his  neighbours,  acknowledging  the  kindness  of  the 
minister  and  attention  of  the  people,  and  enforcing,  with  great 
seriousness,  his  desire,  that  the  novelty  of  the  occasion,  might  in 
no  degree  be  suffered  to  divert  solemn  attention,  from  the  infinite 
importance  of  the  Gospel  truths  delivered. 

"After  primary  attention  to  religious  engagements  among  Friends 
in  Edinburgh,  on  the  28th,  29th,  and  30th;  there  was  a  party 
assembled  to  meet  Elizabeth  Fry,  at  the  house  of  our  valued  and 
hospitable  host,  the  late  Alexander  Cruikshank,  on  the  evening 
of  the  30th,  when  her  conversation  on  the  important  subject  of 
the  condition  and  care  of  prisoners,  greatly  interested  a  large 
company,  including  some  distinguished  individuals,  and  some 
foreigners." 

Many  very  important  engagements  occupied  them  at  Edin- 
burgh. 

"  On  the  evenings  of  the  2nd  and  3rd  of  the  Ninth  Month, 
large  Public  Meetings  for  religious  worship  were  held  ;  the  former 
at  Edinburgh,  the  latter  at  Leith,  in  which  Elizabeth  Fry  was 
greatly  strengthened  to  declare  the  truths  of  the  everlasting  gospel 
of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ.  Many  calls  were  made  on 
distinguished  persons,  and  some  visits  also  received,  on  the  3rd; 
especially  one  from  the  late  Dr.  Abcrcrombie,  which  will  long  be 
remembered  with  interest." 


512  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1838. 

On  the  4th  they  proceeded  to  Glasgow,  and  were  similarly 
employed  there.  On  the  7th  they  held  a  large  Meeting  for 
worship  in  the  Seaman's  Chapel. 

On  being  favoured  to  reach  home,  she  writes, — 

Upton,  Ninth  Month,  26th. — We  arrived  home  last  Seventh- 
day,  and,  to  my  great  comfort,  I  found  all  my  family  going 
on  well  and  comfortably.  I  ventured  to  ask,  or  at  least  to 
desire,  that  if  my  goings  out  were  acceptable  to  the  Lord, 
and,  if  I  were  to  be  called  to  further,  and  perhaps  still  more 
weighty  service,  I  might  find  the  blessing  of  preservation 
extended  to  those  most  dear  to  me  at  home,  as  well  as  to  my- 
self in  going.  Through  mercy,  this  sign  has  been  rather 
unusually  granted  to  me.  What  can  I  render  unto  my  Lord 
for  his  tender  and  unmerited  mercies  ? 

Tenth.  Month,  2Sth. — I  have  paid  a  satisfactory  visit  with 
my  husband,  and  partly  accompanied  by  Peter  Bedford  and 
John  Hodgkin,  to  Croydon  and  Ifield.  Our  Meeting  in 
Sussex  was  a  very  satisfactory  one  ;  and  a  reading  that  we 
had  the  next  morning  at  a  cottage  on  a  Common,  belonging 
to  a  dear  Friend,  where  we  had  been  before.  The  libraries 
that  we  established,  appear  to  have  been  much  read  and 
valued.  It  is  cause  for  thankfulness,  to  find  that  our 
labour  has  not  been  in  vain  in  the  Lord.  How  sweet  are 
His  mercies  !  May  all  become  His  servants  saith  my  soul ! 

I  also  left  home  accompanied  by  my  beloved  husband  and 
my  sister  Elizabeth,  to  visit  a  few  Meetings  in  Essex. 

Twelfth  Month,  6th. — This  morning  I  felt  deeply  the  seri- 
ousness of  laying  before  my  Monthly  Meeting,  my  belief 
that  it  may  be  my  duty  again  to  visit  France,  and  some  other 
parts  of  the  continent  of  Europe.  It  is  after  much  weighty 
consideration,  that  I  have  come  to  the  conclusion,  that  it  is 
right  to  do  this.  I  have  long  thought  that  this  summer  my 
course  might  be  turned  either  to  my  dearest  brother  Joseph 
in  America,  or  to  the  Continent  of  Europe ;  after  much 
weighing  it,  I  have  believed  the  latter  to  be  the  right  open 


1838.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  513 

ing  for  me.  I  laid  my  prospect  before  the  Friends  of  our 
Monthly  Meeting,  this  morning.  Several  Friends  were  there, 
not  members  of  it.  We  had  a  very  solemn  Meeting — for  wor- 
ship first.  My  sister  and  I  returned  our  certificates  for  visiting 
Scotland,  and  then  I  asked  for  one  for  Europe  ;  having  very 
earnestly  prayed  for  help,  direction,  and  protection.  When 
under  a  fresh  feeling  of  its  being  right  to  do  it,  I  simply  in- 
formed Friends  that  I  looked  to  paying  a  visit  to  Paris,  then 
to  the  Friends  in  the  South  of  France ;  and  should  probably, 
in  returning,  visit  some  other  parts  of  Europe.  Much  unity 
and  sympathy  were  expressed  with  this  prospect  of  religious 
duty  by  our  own  members  and  those  who  visited  us.  There 
certainly  appeared  to  be,  in  no  common  degree,  a  seal  set  to 
this  serious  prospect  of  religious  service. 

I  now  desire  to  leave  all  to  the  further  openings  of  Provi- 
dence, as  to  when  to  go,  who  is  to  go  with  me,  and  where  to 
go.  I  desire  to  leave  it  all  to  my  most  holy  and  gracious 
God.  Although  I  am  very  deeply  sensible  that  it  is  only 
through  the  fullness  and  freeness  of  unmerited  mercy,  love, 
and  grace,  that  I  dare  call,  or  feel,  my  Lord  thus  to  be  my 
Head  and  Helper.  I  may  acknowledge  in  faith,  my  belief 
that,  through  the  help  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  my  Lord  has 
been  and  is  unto  me  "  Wonderful,  Counsellor,  the  Mighty 
God,  the  Everlasting  Father,  and  the  Prince  of  Peace." 

After  receiving  from  her  Quarterly  Meeting  a  certificate  of 
cordial  unity,  and  concurrence  with  her  prospect  of  again 
visiting  the  Continent,  she  passed  a  few  days  in  Norfolk. 
65 


1839-1841.  Journey  on  the  Continent — Paris — Lyons — Nismes — 
Avignon — Toulouse — The  Pyrenees — Grenoble — Geneva — Zurich — 
Frankfort — Return  home — Goes  into  Norfolk — Letter  to  a  religious 
acquaintance — Audience  of  the  Queen — Meeting  in  London — 
Leaves  home  for  the  Continent — Ostend — Brussels — Antwerp — 
Amsterdam — Zwolle — Minden  and  Pyrmont — Hanover — Berlin — 
Leipzic — Dusseldorf — Return  home — Yearly  Meeting — Establish- 
ment of  "  Nursing  Sisters." 

First  Month,  12th,  1839. — I  returned  from  Lynn  last 
evening.  I  was  a  good  deal  with  my  beloved  sister  Cathe- 
rine, who  was  there.  Before  parting,  we  had  a  deeply 
interesting  time  together,  when  the  spirit  of  prayer  was 
remarkably  poured  forth  upon  us.  I  prayed  for  them  each 
separately,  and  believe  that  access  was,  in  mercy,  granted  to 
the  Throne  of  Grace.  My  dearest  sister  offered  a  solemn 
prayer  for  us  before  we  rose  from  our  knees.  I  felt,  as  I 
have  often  done,  an  earnest  desire,  that  we  may  none  be  in 
spiritual  bonds.  I  think  Satan,  in  hardly  any  way  mars  the 
Lord's  work  more,  than  in  putting  persons  in  the  stiff  bonds 
of  High  Churchism.  He  attacks  all  professors  in  this  way, 
and  leads  them  to  rest  in  their  sectarianism,  rather  than  their 
Christianity.  I  do  not  mean  that  this  is  the  case  with  those 
I  was  amongst,  but  I  see  it  a  frightful  bait,  thrown  out  at  all 
professors  of  all  denominations.  Few  things  I  more  earnestly 
desire,  than  unity  in  the  church  of  Christ,  and  that  all  par- 
tition walls  may  be  broken  down.  Lord,  hasten  the  coming 
of  that  day,  for  Thy  own  name's  sake  ! 

16//J. — On  Second-day,  I  laid  my  concern  to  go  to  France 
before  the  Morning  Meeting.  I  feel  encouraged  by  all  the 
(514) 


1839.]  LIFE   OF  ELIZABETH   FRY.  515 

testimonies  from  the  Lord's  servants,  and  from  the  real  help 
and  excellence  of  the  arrangement,  that  we  should  thus,  in 
such  weighty  and  important  duties,  have  the  sanction  of  that 
section  of  the  Church  to  which  we  belong. 

I  have  received  very  encouraging  accounts  from  Scotland 
as  to  the  results  of  our  last  journey.  Several  refuges  are 
likely  to  be  formed,  and  women  prisoners  to  be  visited.  The 
accounts  from  France  have  also  been,  in  many  ways,  encou- 
raging. My  dear  and  valued  friend,  the  Duchess  de  Brog- 
lie,  who  died  some  little  time  ago,  expressed  that  her  faith 
had  been  strengthened  by  our  visit.  Many  important  alter- 
ations have  taken  place  in  the  prisons ;  the  New  Testament 
is  now  circulated  in  some  of  them,  and  in  the  hospitals.  So 
I  may  take  courage,  and  return  God  thanks. 

Previous  to  our  departure,  I  had  the  servants  of  our  dif- 
ferent families  to  meet  me  at  Meeting ;  it  proved  quite  a 
large  number,  almost  filling  our  Meeting  House.  I  believe 
it  was  a  time  of  real  edification  and  comfort  to  some  who 
were  there. 

Her  former  kind  companion,  Josiah  Forster,  became  again 
her  attendant  on  this  journey.  His  sympathy,  his  watchful 
care,  and  sound  judgment,  were  very  important  in  aiding  her 
throughout  her  weighty  engagements.  She  was  also  accom- 
panied by  her  husband,  who  evinced  an  increasing  desire  to 
strengthen  her  in  the  pursuit  of  those  objects  which  she 
believed  it  to  be  her  duty  to  accomplish.  One  of  her 
daugnters  also  attended  her. 

Almost  immediately  after  their  landing  at  Boulogne,  many 
persons  came  to  seek  Elizabeth  Fry,  and  to  welcome  her  to 
their  shores. 

She  visited  the  prison  there,  which  was  in  a  very  deplo- 
rable Btate ;  and  in  the  evening  received  about  forty  at  the 
Hotel,  chiefly  the  members  of  a  little  District  Society,  which 
she  had  been  instrumental  in  forming  on  her  previous  visit. 
The  results  of  their  labours  were  very  satisfactory ;  many  of 


516  LIPB    OP    ELIZABETH    PKT.  [1839. 

the  poor  French  were  subscribing  for,  or  buying  New  Testa- 
ments, as  well  as  eagerly  reading  the  tracts  circulated  amongst 
them.  The  state  of  the  resident  English  poor  was  also  con- 
sidered as  decidedly  improved,  through  this  means. 

The  servants  of  the  Hotel  earnestly  solicited  to  be  supplied 
with  Testaments ;  it  appeared  that  they  lent  them  to  their 
friends,  who  carried  them  into  the  country,  where  they  were 
so  eagerly  read  and  re-read,  that  it  was  difficult  for  the 
rightful  owners  to  regain  possession  of  them. 

On  the  14th,  en  route  to  Abbeville,  the  party  stopped  at 
Samer  for  an  hour,  to  give  Elizabeth  Fry  the  opportunity  of 
visiting  a  poor  sick  Englishman  in  great  affliction.  At  Mon- 
treuil-sur-Mer,  she  gave  a  tract  to  a  man  whilst  changing 
horses ;  the  carriage  was  soon  surrounded  by  people  begging 
for  books  ;  it  was  very  striking  to  see  their  energy  to  obtain 
them.  The  same  thing  occurred  at  the  Hotel  at  Abbeville, 
where  those,  to  whom  she  had  given  them  on  her  previous 
visit,  begged  for  more,  and  came  creeping  up  to  her  apart- 
ment to  prefer  their  request.  Her  Text-books,  "  Les  petits 
livres  de  matin,"  were  the  decided  favourites.  In  the  morn- 
ing, the  people  of  the  Hotel  again  gathered  round  her.  The 
First-day  that  she  had  spent  there  on  her  former  visit  to 
Paris — the  reading  they  had  in  the  evening — the  prayer  she 
offered  for  them,  had  made  a  deep  impression.  They  be- 
guiled her  into  the  Kitchen,  where  she  told  them  in  broken 
French,  which  however  they  contrived  to  understand,  a  little 
of  her  wishes  for  them  as  to  faith  and  practice ;  then  all 
would  shake  hands  with  her.  On  reaching  the  capital,  she 
writes : 

Paris,  Third  Month,  \lth. — How  earnestly  do  I  desire 
tmd  pray,  that  my  Lord  would  clearly  point  out  my  work  in 
this  place ;  that  he  would  enable  me,  by  His  own  Power 
and  Spirit,  to  perform  it  in  simplicity  to  His  praise,  the  good 
of  others,  and  my  own  peace. 

Lord,  regard  Thy  servant  in  her  low  estate,  and  if  it  be 


1839.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  517 

Thy  holy  will,  give  some  token,  by  Thy  presence,  Spirit,  and 
Power  that  Thou  art  with  us ;  and  more  abundantly  fit  and 
prepare  for  Thine  own  work,  as  Thou  hast  often  blessed  and 
abundantly  increased  that  which  may  appear  small  in  the  eyes 
of  man,  to  the  help  of  numbers :  so,  oh  Lord  !  bless,  prosper, 
and  increase  the  weak  labours  of  Thy  unworthy  servant,  to 
the  good  of  numbers,  and  the  promotion  of  Thy  cause  in  this 
place;  where  "the  world,  the  flesh,  and  the  devil,"  appear 
BO  powerful.  Answer  this  cry,  I  beseech  Thee,  and  give 
Thy  poor  servant  a  quiet,  patient,  trustful  spirit,  only  depen- 
dent upon  the  fresh  pourings  forth  of  Thy  Spirit,  and  the 
incomings  of  Thy  love.  Amen. 

24:t/i. — In  mercy  my  cry  was  heard.  We  went  to  our  little 
Meeting,  where  were  some  seeking  minds ;  and  to  my  own 
feelings,  we  were  remarkably  bound  together  by  the  presence 
of  our  Lord.  I  also  may  thankfully  say,  that  I  was  enabled 
to  preach  the  word,  and  to  pray.  I  felt  it  an  encouraging, 
edifying  time,  and  an  answer  to  prayer.  After  Meeting,  we 
called  at  our  Ambassador's,  and  met  with  a  very  cordial  re- 
ception. 

On  Sixth-day,  we  visited  a  large  French  Methodists' 
school ;  it  was  a  very  encouraging  sight :  there  were  about  a 
hundred  children,  who  appeared  well  taught.  I  had  a  good 
deal  of  advice  to  give  them  and  their  parents,  and  felt  peace 
in  the  service  ;  but  the  place  was  so  exceedingly  cold,  that  I 
left  it  with  severe  tooth-ache,  which  lasted  all  day,  and 
brought  me  down  in  body  and  spirit. 

Having  invited  a  large  company  for  philanthropic  and 
religious  objects  for  the  following  evening,  I  felt  anxious : 
but  when  the  time  came,  I  was  enabled,  though  the  party 
was  very  large,  to  speak  a  little  on  the  subject  of  Negro 
Slavery :  and  Josiah  Forster  expressed  himself  very  agree- 
ably upon  the  subject.  We  finished  with  a  short,  lively 
Scripture-reading,  and  to  my  own  feelings,  strength  was,  in 
a  remarkable  manner,  given  me  in  the  needful  time. 

During  the  morning,  I  paid  a  most  interesting  visit  to  a 


518  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1839. 

Roman  Catholic  lady, — a  young  widow, — her  little  children, 
and  her  friend.  I  have  seldom  seen  the  Christian  life  more 
exemplified.  So  we  see  and  "  perceive  that  God  is  no  re- 
specter of  persons ;  but  in  every  nation,  he  that  feareth  Him, 
and  worketh  righteousness,  is  accepted  with  Him." — Acts 
x.  34,  35. 

Thus  began  this  second  sojourn  in  Paris;  the  same  friends 
gathered  round  her,  the  same  institutions  were  revisited,  with 
some  others  which  she  had  not  seen  before ;  the  same  objects 
of  interest  occupied  her  attention.  The  mornings  were  thus 
spent:  the  evenings  generally  at  the  houses  of  their  many 
kind  friends,  or  in  receiving  guests  at  the  Hotel.  Perhaps 
no  one  was  more  capable  than  Elizabeth  Fry  of  appreciating 
the  enjoyment  of  social  intercourse  or  society,  such  as  these 
occasions  offered,  but  it  was  not  from  this  motive  that  she 
united  in  them.  She  considered  it  her  duty  to  avail  herself 
of  the  opportunities  thus  afforded,  for  the  diffusion  of  know- 
ledge on  those  subjects  which  had  brought  her  to  Paris,  the 
introduction  of  topics  of  a  philanthropic  and  religious  cha- 
racter. 

Third-day. — Visited  an  hospital,  and  dined  at  Lord  Wil- 
liam Bentinck's,  I  trust  to  some  good  purpose,  but  I  fear  for 
myself  in  many  ways,  on  such  occasions. 

Fifth-day. — A  very  solemn  Morning  Meeting,  numbers 
there,  mostly  women,  some  ladies  of  rank,  some  very  in- 
teresting persons.  I  was  afresh  enabled  to  pray  and  to 
minister. 

Her  ministry  is  described,  by  some  who,  on  different  occa- 
sions throughout  this  visit,  were  privileged  to  attend  her 
meetings,  as  being  of  a  powerfully  impressive  and  instruc- 
tive character,  and  peculiarly  consoling  to  many  afflicted 
ones. 

Fourth  Month,  1th  (First-day). — One  day  we  dined  at 
our  dear  friends  the  Mallets',  where  we  met  a  large  family 


1839.]  LIFE  OF  ELIZABETH   FRY.  519 

party,  and  had  much  interesting  conversation.  There  was  a 
sweet  feeling  of  the  love  of  God  over  us  ;  I  believe  this  ser- 
vice was  called  for,  and  was  blessed  to  many  present.  Last 
evening  about  a  hundred  persons  spent  the  evening  with  us. 
The  subject  of  prisons  was  brought  forward  ;  Newgate,  &c., 
I  endeavoured  to  show  the  state  of  prisons  formerly,  and 
many  of  their  improvements.  But  above  all,  to  inculcate 
Christian  principle  as  the  only  sure  means  of  improving 
practice.  I  sought  in  every  way,  in  the  cases  brought  for- 
ward, to  uphold  the  value  of  the  Scriptures,  and  to  show  the 
blessed  results  of  faith  and  repentance.  We  finished  by 
reading  in  a  solemn  manner  the  15th  of  Luke,  as  the  chapter 
so  greatly  blessed  to  poor  prisoners.  I  made  little  comment, 
there  was  very  great  solemnity  over  us.  There  were  Catho- 
lics and  Protestants,  and  I  believe  some  of  the  Greek  Church. 
There  were  Greeks,  lonians,  Spaniards,  a  Pole,  Italians, 
Germans,  English,  Americans  and  French.  Several  of  the 
English  and  French,  persons  of  rank ;  the  Marquis  de  Brig- 
nolles,  Sardinian  Minister,  and  Prince  Czartorinski.  Thus 
this  week  has  run  away  !  may  it  have  been  for  the  real  good 
of  others,  and  the  glory  of  God.  Most  merciful  God,  I  per- 
fectly know  that  I  am  unworthy  to  present  myself  before 
Thee  on  the  bended  knee  of  my  soul.  But  I  come  boldly  to 
the  throne  of  grace,  through  the  merits  of  Thy  dear  Son,  our 
Mediator  with  Thee,  our  God.  Grant,  Holy  Father,  that  the 
iniquity  of  my  holy  things  may  be  blotted  out,  and  that  in 
my  efforts  to  serve  Thee,  and  promote  the  cause  of  truth  and 
righteousness,  my  infirmities  and  the  unworthiness  of  the 
instrument  may  not  have  cast  a  blemish  on  Thy  truth. 
Grant  also,  Holy  Father,  that  the  word  spoken  may,  through 
Thy  bleasing,  comfort,  strengthen,  and  edify  Thy  followers, 
and  be  a  means  of  bringing  many  to  repentance,  and 
faith  in  Thy  beloved  Son,  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord.  Dearest 
Lord,  be  near  to  keep,  to  help,  and  to  direct  all  my  steps, 
as  I  go  on  in  this  cause,  for  Thy  glory,  the  good  of  others, 
and  my  own  edification  and  peace.  Permit  Thy  servant 


520  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PEY.  [1839. 

also  to  commend  to  Thy  special  keeping,  all  most  near  to  her, 
left  in  her  own  land,  and  all  everywhere,  beloved  by  her,  and 
for  whom  she  travails  in  spirit,  and  spread  the  knowledge 
of  Thyself,  and  of  Thy  Son,  and  Thy  righteousness,  through 
the  Holy  Spirit,  everywhere  on  this  earth.  Amen ! 

Paris,  21st. — I  feel  that,  under  a  lively  sense  of  peace 
and  rest  of  soul,  I  may  record  the  mercies  of  the  Lord  this 
last  week. 

Our  First*day  was  very  satisfactory,  a  large  Meeting  ;  five 
of  our  children  with  us. 

(Several  of  her  family  spent  a  few  days  in  Paris  at  this 
time.) 

I  had  a  very  serious,  interesting,  and  intimate  conversation 
with  the  Duchess  of  Orleans. 

I  visited  and  attended  to  some  prisons,  formed  a  Ladies' 
Society  to  visit  the  Protestants  in  prisons  and  hospitals,  met 
a  very  influential  company  at  dinner  at  Lord  Granville's, 
much  interesting  conversation  in  the  evening ;  the  same  twice 
at  Baron  Pelet's,  and  we  had  an  agreeable  dinner  at  Lord 
William  Bentinck's.  I  have  paid  some  very  interesting 
private  calls,  spent  one  morning  with  my  children  ;  our  great 
philanthropic  evening  largely  attended,  about  a  hundred  and 
forty  present.  Josiah  Forster  gave  a  concentrated  account  of 
our  former  evenings,  and  added  other  things  very  agreeably. 
I  strongly  impressed  upon  them  the  extreme  importance  of 
the  influence  of  the  higher  on  the  lower  classes  of  society, 
by  their  example  and  precept ;  mentioned  late  hours,  theatres, 
and  other  evils.  Then  advised  ;  giving  the  poor  Christian 
education,  reading  the  Holy  Scriptures  in  their  families, 
lending  Libraries,  District  Societies,  and  other  objects  ;  we 
finished  with  a  very  solemn  Scripture-reading,  the  greater 
part  of  the  third  chapter  of  Colossians,  and  the  20th  and  21st 
verses  of  the  last  chapter  of  the  epistle  to  the  Hebrews,  "  Now 
the  God  of  peace,  that  brought  again  from  the  dead  our 
Lord  Jesus,  that  great  Shepherd  of  the  sheep,  through  the 


1839.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRVT.  521 

blood  of  the  everlasting  covenant,  make  you  perfect  in  every 
good  work  to  do  His  will,  working  in  you  that  \vhich  is  well- 
pleasing  in  His  sight,  through  Jesus  Christ;  to  whom  be 
glory  for  ever  and  ever.  Amen." 

Previous  to  reading  this,  I  had  expressed  some  solemn 
parting  truths,  and  our  party  broke  up  in  much  love  and 
peace. 

May  the  Lord  of  the  harvest,  Himself,  cause  that  some  of 
these  may  be  gathered  into  His  garner,  and  may  He  bless, 
prosper,  and  increase  the  seed  so  unworthily  scattered. 

On  Fifth-day,  we  dined  with  some  sweet,  spiritual,  and 
delightful  people,  the  de  Presenses  and  de  Valcours ;  in  the 
evening  to  Mark  Wilke's,  to  meet  a  very  large  party  of 
ministers  from  different  parts  of  France,  come  to  attend  the 
Meetings  of  the  various  Societies. 

Fontainbleau,  28th. — The  day  before  our  departure  from 
Paris  we  visited  the  Prefe*t  de  Police,  took  in  our  report  of 
the  state  of  the  Prisons,  and  obtained  leave  for  the  Protestant 
ladies  to  visit  the  Protestant  prisoners ;  we  had  much  inte- 
resting conversation.  We  have  the  great  satisfaction  of 
hearing,  that  a  law  is  likely  to  pass  for  women  prisoners 
throughout  France  to  be  under  the  care  of  women. 

In  the  evening,  and  during  the  day,  numbers  came  to  take 
leave  of  us ;  a  good  many  Greeks,  who  appeared  to  feel 
much  interest  in  and  for  us,  as  if  our  labours  with  them  had 
not  been  in  vain. 

On  parting  with  my  beloved  children,  (to  return  to  Eng- 
land,) I  could  not  refrain  from  many  tears.  Our  beloved 
friend  Emilie  Mallet  joined  us  very  early  in  the  morning, 
also  our  kind  friend  John  Sargent,  our  friend  do  Beranger, 
and  one  or  two  others.  My  soul  was  particularly  humbled 
within  me,  and,  before  parting,  we  assembled  with  our  friends, 
and  poured  forth  deep  prayer  and  thanksgiving  unto  the 
Lord ;  thanks  for  the  help  granted  to  us,  and  for  the  kind- 
ness shown  us  by  our  Christian  friends,  and  the  love  and 
unity  we  have  partaken  of  with  them  ;  prayer  that  our  labours 
GG 


522  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1839. 

might  be  blessed,  arid  the  seed  scattered,  prospered  and  in- 
creased, and  that  no  reproach  might  have  been  brought  by 
us  upon  the  cause  nearest  to  my  heart ;  earnestly  did  I  ask  a 
blessing  upon  our  friends,  ourselves,  the  tenderly  beloved 
ones  just  parted  from,  and  those  at  home.  After  this  we 
took  an  affectionate  leave  of  all,  including  our  host,  hostess, 
and  the  Hotel  servants. 

Just  before  Elizabeth  Fry  left  Paris,  she  was  informed 
that  the  Archbishop  was  annoyed  at  her  proceedings,  that 
he  had  expressed  dissatisfaction  at  the  alterations  which  she 
had  recommended  in  the  "St."  Lazare  Prison,  and  had  gone 
so  far  as  to  speak  with  regret,  if  not  displeasure,  of  the  Baron 
de  Gerando,  who  had  accompanied  her  in  her  visits  to  the 
hospitals.  But  the  secret  of  the  Archi-episcopal  opposition 
lay  not  here — it  was  the  more  general  knowledge  of  the 
Holy  Scriptures  which  he  dreaded.  It  was  that  the  reforms 
which  Elizabeth  Fry  recommended,  were  all  based  upon 
Scriptural  authority,  that  it  was  to  those  sacred  writings  she 
referred,  for  rules  of  active  obligation  ;  and  above  all  this, 
that  she  lost  no  opportunity  in  all  companies,  and  on  all 
occasions,  where  it  could  be  done  with  propriety,  to  urge 
their  perusal  and  general  circulation. 

She  left  Paris  on  the  27th  of  Fourth  Month,  and  proceeded 
through  Melun  to  Fontainbleau.  She  had  been  furnished 
with  a  letter  from  the  Minister  of  the  Interior,  granting  her, 
Josiah  Forster,  and  her  husband,  permission  to  visit  all  the 
prisons  in  France.  This  important  document  was  first  made 
use  of  at  Me*lun ;  and  on  this  occasion,  as  on  all  succeeding 
ones,  Elizabeth  Fry  was  received  with  respect,  and  every 
facility  afforded  her  and  her  companions,  for  inspecting  the 
prisons. 

She  stopped  at  Auxerre  and  visited  the  prison  there,  and 
writes  from  Avignon — 

Fifth  Month,  9th. — We  had  no  particular  calls  of  duty, 
until  we  arrived  at  Lyons,  where  there  was  a  great  press  of 


1839.]  LIFE   OF  ELIZABETH  FRY.  523 

engagements — prisons  and  refuges  to  inspect,  besides  many 
schools,  of  which  I  had  only  time  to  visit  one — a  woman's 
adult  school.  We  had  a  large  company  of  the  poorer  French 
Protestants,  on  two  different  evenings,  when  we  read  with 
them.  We  also  visited  several  of  their  houses ;  but  it  was 
more  for  serious  conversation  amongst  them,  than  absolute 
religious  engagement.  We  had  one  very  important  Meeting 
of  influential  people,  in  which  I  desired  to  speak  the  Truth 
in  love.  It  was  introduced  by  the  Prison  subject.  I  en- 
deavoured to  show,  that  change  of  heart  could  only  be 
produced  by  Christian  principles,  as  revealed  to  us  in  Holy 
Scripture,  through  the  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  This,  I 
very  boldly  attested,  and  then  strove  to  impress  the  import- 
ance of  Christian  example,  and  of  religious  duties  being 
faithfully  performed,  both  public  and  private.  Then  I  en- 
tered upon  useful  societies,  charities,  and  schools,  with 
Christian  instruction.  We  had  much  attention  paid  to  us, 
much  kindness  shown  to  us,  and  I  humbly  trust,  an  impres- 
sion made  on  many  minds,  and  some  humble,  valuable 
Christians  comforted  by  our  visit. 

To  her  children  she  writes  from — 

Nismes,  Fifth  MontTi,  12th,  1839. 

We  thankfully  say,  we  feel  peaceful,  and  in  our  right 
place,  although  separated  from  so  many  so  very  dear  to  us. 

We  paid  a  very  interesting  visit  to  Lyons,  and  found  a 
good  deal  new  in  the  Prisons  and  Refuges.  An  order  of 
Catholics,  called  "  the  Brethren  and  Sisters  of  St.  Joseph," 
believe  it  their  duty  entirely  to  take  care  of  prisoners  and 
criminals  generally.  They  do  not  visit  as  we  do,  but  take 
the  entire  part  of  turnkeys  and  prison-officers,  and  live  with 
the  prisoners  night  and  day,  constantly  caring  for  them.  I 
thought  the  effect  on  the  female  prisoners  surprisingly  good, 
as  far  as  their  influence  extended.  But  the  mixture  of  gross 
superstition  is  curious,  the  image  of  the  Virgin  dressed  up  in 
the  finest  manner,  in  their  different  wards.  I  feared  that 


524  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH     1-  R  V.  [1839. 

their  religion  lay  so  much  in  form  and  ceremonies,  that  it  led 
from  heart  work,  and  from  that  great  change  which  would 
probably  be  produced,  did  these  sisters  simply  teach  them 
Christianity.  Their  books  appeared  to  be  mostly  about  the 
Virgin  ;  not  a  sign  of  Scripture  to  be  found,  in  either  prison 
or  refuge.  I  felt  it  laid  on  me  as  a  weighty,  yet  humbling 
duty,  before  I  left  Lyons,  to  invite  Roman  Catholics  and 
Protestants,  who  had  influence  in  the  prisons,  to  come  to  our 
Hotel,  and  there,  in  Christian  love,  to  tell  them  the  truth  to 
the  best  of  my  belief,  as  the  only  real  ground  of  reforma- 
tion of  heart,  and  the  means  likely  to  conduce  to  this  end. 
It  was  the  more  fearful,  as  I  had  to  be  entirely  interpreted 
for.  My  heart  almost  sank  within  me  as  the  time  approached. 
It  was  about  three  o'clock  in  the  day;  about  sixty  people  came, 
of  the  very  influential  Catholics  and  Protestants,  and  I  was 
enabled  through  a  most  excellent  interpreter,  to  show  them, 
that  nothing  but  the  pure  simple  truth,  as  revealed  in  Scrip- 
ture, through  the  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  could  really  en- 
lighten the  understanding,  or  change  the  heart.  My  husband 
and  Josiah  Forster  also,  took  a  very  useful  and  valuable  part. 
Much  satisfaction  was  expressed.  We  afterwards  dined  at  a 
gentleman's,  who  lived  in  a  lovely  situation,  on  the  top  of  a 
hill  near  Lyons.  Our  invitations  began  to  flow  in,  and  we 
should,  I  doubt  not,  had  we  stayed  longer,  soon  have  been  in 
as  great  a  current  as  at  Paris,  or  greater.  We  met  with  some 
very  interesting,  devoted,  Christian  characters — a  cousin  of 
the  Baroness  Pelet's,  almost  like  herself;  her  notes  and  flowers 
coming  in  every  morning.  The  last  day  was  most  fatiguing ; 
we  had  to  rise  soon  after  three  in  the  morning  for  Avignon, 
to  go  a  hundred  and  fifty  miles  down  the  Rhone. 

We  have  passed  through  the  most  delightful  country  I  ever 
saw.  Lyons,  with  the  Rhone  and  Saonc,  is,  in  its  environs, 
beautiful,  and  the  passage  from  Lyons  to  Avignon  really 
lovely ;  mountains  in  the  distance,  (parts  of  the  Alps,)  their 
tops  covered  with  snow  ;  vegetation  in  perfection,  the  flowers 
of  spring  and  summer  in  bloom  at  once,  grass  just  ready  to 


1839.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  525 

be  cut,  barley  in  the  ear,  lilacs,  laburnums,  syringas,  roses, 
pinks,  carnations,  acacias  in  full  bloom,  yellow  jessamine  wild 
in  the  hedges.  It  is  a  sudden  burst  of  the  finest  summer, 
combined  with  the  freshness  of  spring.  The  olive  groves, 
intermixed  with  abundant  vineyards  and  mulberry  groves, 
all  beautiful  from  their  freshness.  The  ancient  buildings  of 
Avignon,  the  ruins  on  the  banks  of  the  Rhone,  the  very  fine 
and  wonderful  remains  of  the  Roman  aqueduct,  called  the 
Pont  du  Gard,  really  exceed  description.  This  place  also 
abounds  in  curious  buildings.  Here,  or  in  the  neighbour- 
hood, we  expect  to  remain  some  time. 

We  find  the  poor  Friends  delighted  to  see  us,  and  the 
Protestants  give  us  a  hearty  welcome. 

From  Avignon,  they  proceeded  to  Nismes.  There,  Eliza- 
beth Fry  made  a  longer  tarriance  than  usual.  For  a  week, 
she  continued  to  be  exceedingly  interested  by  the  various 
objects  that  presented  themselves  to  her  notice,  and  by  the 
persons  whom  she  met  with.  There  exists  at  Nismes,  and  in 
the  neighbouring  villages,  a  scattered  body  of  people,  pro- 
fessing the  principles  of  the  Society  of  Friends.  She  and 
Josiah  Forster  visited,  with  much  interest,  all  who  resided  at 
Nismes,  and  attended  their  Meetings.  These  simple,  but 
valuable  persons  are  the  descendants  of  the  Camisards, 
who  took  refuge  in  the  mountains  of  the  Cevenncs,  during 
the  persecutions  subsequent  to  the  revocation  of  the  Edict  of 
Nantes. 

Congenies  was  the  next  place  visited  by  the  travellers ;  it 
is  a  retired  village,  to  the  west  of  the  road  from  Nismes  to 
Montpellier,  about  four  leagues  from  the  former  place.  The 
inhabitants  are  almost  all  Friends ;  a  kind  and  religious 
people.  With  her  companion  Josiah  Forster,  Elizabeth  Fry 
regularly  attended  their  Meetings  for  worship  and  discipline, 
by  which  she  became  exceedingly  interested  in  their  welfare. 
Their  Meeting  House  was  neat,  and  abundantly  adequate  to 
the  needs  of  the  congregation ;  she  also  visited  them  all  in 
their  families. 


526  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1839. 

In  all  the  villages  round,  there  seemed  to  be  a  most  eager, 
willing  ear,  to  hear  the  truths  of  the  gospel.  The  Meeting 
held  at  Congenies,  on  the  last  First-day  evening,  was  crowd- 
ed— the  people  clustered  up  to  the  top  of  the  doors,  in  all 
the  open  windows,  and  on  the  walls  outside,  yet  in  perfect 
quietude  and  order.  At  Calvisson,  on  the  following  First- 
day,  it  was  the  same,  the  Meeting  there  was  held  in  the 
Protestant  Temple.  The  travellers  left  Congenies  on  the 
27th,  and  after  partaking  of  the  abounding  hospitalities  of 
Doctor  Pleindoux,  at  Nismes,  proceeded  by  the  ancient  city 
of  Aries  to  Marseilles.  Before  quitting  Congenies,  Elizabeth 
Fry  wrote — 

Fifth  Month,  2,2nd. — Yesterday  was  my  birthday,  and  it 
pleased  my  Heavenly  Father,  in  His  love  and  pity,  to  cause 
it  to  be  a  day  of  remarkable  peace,  from  the  early  morning 
to  the  evening.  I  felt  it  was  not  for  works  of  righteousness, 
that  I  had  done,  but  of  His  grace  and  His  mercy,  that  I 
have  thus  known  my  soul  to  be  refreshed  in  the  Lord.  Lord, 
continue  to  be  with  us !  lift  up  the  light  of  Thy  countenance 
upon  us,  and  bless  us  all,  absent  and  present ;  and  particu- 
larly at  this  time,  I  ask  Thee  to  bless  our  labours  among  this 
people,  to  their  solid  good,  and  Thy  praise.  Amen ! 

Sixth  Month,  2nd. — We  found  a  great  deal  of  what  was 
highly  interesting  in  Congenies.  A  peculiar  and  new  place 
to  us.  The  country  remarkable,  much  cultivated  in  parts, 
and  planted  with  vineyards,  mulberry,  olive,  and  fig-trees, 
with  but  little  corn.  There  is  a  very  delightful  air ;  the 
hills  rather  barren  and  singularly  grey,  with  fine  ruins  upon 
some  of  them ;  and  here  and  there  a  peep  at  the  Mediterra- 
nean. The  little  dull  villages,  much  strewed  about,  thickly 
inhabited,  mostly  by  Protestants,  who  appear  generally  in  a 
low,  neglected  state ;  we  visited  some  of  these  villages,  and 
had  larger  or  smaller  Meetings  in  them.  We  found  a  great 
inclination  in  the  people  to  hear  the  truth,  and  I  believe  there 
is  a  real  thirst  after  it.  I  humbly  trust  that  the  blessing  of 


1839.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  527 

the  Lord  was  with  us,  as  I  have  seldom  felt  more  peace,  or 
more  sense  of  this  blessing,  than  when  engaged  in  these  la- 
bours of  Christian  love  at  Congenies,  or  a  more  clear  belief 
that  I  was  in  my  right  place. 

After  visiting  Marseilles,  where  many  important  objects 
called  for  attention,  the  travellers  proceeded  to  Toulon,  and 
there  they  visited  the  prisons  and  the  galley-slaves ;  thence 
to  Aix.  This  place  was,  on  various  accounts,  interesting  to 
the  travellers  :  to  Elizabeth  Fry  it  was  rendered  particularly 
so,  by  her  finding  there  a  lively  little  Protestant  congrega- 
tion, under  a  zealous  and  apparently  spiritual  pastor.  A  great 
contrast  to  the  scene  which  met  her  view,  on  turning  into  the 
Course  on  her  arrival, — the  procession  of  the  Fete  Dieu  in 
all  its  tinsel  finery. 

From  Aix,  the  travellers  returned  to  Nismes.  The  subject 
of  a  District  Society  claimed  attention.  First-day,  the  10th, 
was  passed  there  :  of  this  Elizabeth  Fry  writes : — 

Sixth  Month,. — Our  First-day  at  Nismes  was  deeply  weighty 
in  prospect,  so  that  I  rested  little  at  night,  as  I  had  ventured 
to  propose  our  holding  one  Meeting  in  the  morning,  in  the 
Methodist  chapel,  that  whoever  liked  might  attend  it ;  and 
in  the  evening,  to  do  the  same  in  a  very  large  school-room, 
that  all  classes  might  attend,  as  I  believed  that  all  would  not 
come  to  a  Methodist  Meeting-house.  I  went,  prostrated 
before  the  Lord,  to  this  Meeting  in  the  morning,  hardly 
knowing  how  to  hold  up  my  head ;  I  could  only  apply  for 
help  to  the  inexhaustible  Source  of  our  sure  mercies ;  feeling 
that  I  could  not  do  it,  either  on  account  of  myself,  or  because 
it  was  the  work  in  which  I  was  engaged ;  but  1  could  do  it 
for  the  sake  of  my  Lord,  and  that  His  kingdom  might 
spread.  Utterly  unworthy  did  I  feel  myself;  but  my  Lord 
was  gracious.  My  dear  interpreter,  Christine  Majolier,  was 
there  to  help  me  in  a  very  largo  Meeting,  and  1  felt  power 
wonderfully  given  me  to  proclaim  the  truths  of  the  Gospel, 


528  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1839. 

and  to  press  the  point  of  the  Lord  Himself  being  our  teacher, 
immediately  by  His  Spirit,  and  through  the  Holy  Scriptures, 
and  by  His  Providences  and  works  ;  and  to  show,  that  no 
teaching  so  much  conduced  to  growth  in  grace,  as  the  Lord's 
teaching.  There  was  much  attention  ;  at  the  close,  I  felt  the 
spirit  of  prayer  much  over  us,  longed  for  its  vocal  expression, 
and  felt  a  desire  some  one  might  pray,  when  a  Methodist 
minister,  in  a  feeling  manner,  expressed  a  wish  to  offer  some- 
thing in  prayer,  to  which,  of  course,  we  assented — it  proved 
solemn  and  satisfactory. 

We  dined  at  our  dear  friend,  the  Pasteur  Emilien  Fros- 
sard's  ;  he  and  his  wife  have  been  like  a  brother  and  sister 
to  us;  we  were  also  joined  by  a  Roman  Catholic  gentleman, 
who  has,  I  think,  been  seriously  impressed  by  our  visit,  and 
it  has,  led  him  to  have  the  Scriptures  read  to  his  workmen. 
There  were  also  Louis  Majolier,  his  daughter,  and  a  young 
English  friend.  I  think  I  have  very  seldom  in  my  life  felt 
a  more  lively  sense  of  the  love  of  God,  than  at  this  table. 
I  may  say,  o\ir  souls  were  animated  under  its  sweetness ; 
I  think  we  rejoiced  together,  and  magnified  the  name  of  our 
God. 

In  the  evening,  we  met  in  a  large  school-room  that  would 
contain  some  hundreds,  where  numbers  assembled,  princi- 
pally the  French  Protestants  and  some  of  their  pastors. 
There,  again,  I  was  greatly  helped,  I  really  believe,  by  the 
Holy  Spirit,  to  speak  to  them  upon  their  important  situations 
in  the  Church  of  Christ,  and  the  extreme  consequence  of 
their  being  sound  both  in  faith  and  practice.  I  also  felt  it 
my  duty  to  show  them,  as  Protestants,  the  infinite  importance 
not  only  in  France,  but  in  the  surrounding  nations,  of  their 
being  "  as  a  city  built  upon  a  hill  that  cannot  be  hid."  I 
showed  them  how  the  truth  is  spreading,  and  how  important 
to  promote  it,  being  preachers  of  righteousness  in  life  and 
conversation,  as  well  as  in  word  and  doctrine.  There  was 
here  also  much  attention  ;  and  our  dear  and  valued  friend 
and  brother  in  Christ,  Emilien  Frossard,  prayed  beautifully, 


1839.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  '       529 

that  the  word  spoken  might  profit  the  people,  and  particu- 
larly, that  the  blessing  of  the  Lord  might  rest  upon  me.  It 
was  no  common  prayer  on  my  behalf.  Thanks  to  my  Hea- 
venly Father,  the  Meeting  broke  up  in  much  love,  life,  and 
peace. 

The  next  morning,  Josiah  Forster  and  I  held  a  large 
Meeting,  partly  in  the  open  air,  at  the  village  of  Codognan. 
I  was  pleased  to  see  many  of  our  dear  friends  from  Con- 
genies  and  the  neighbourhood,  at  this  our  last  Meeting  in 
this  part.  We  separated  from  them  under  a  lively  feeling  of 
true  peace  and  much  love,  and  concluded  our  services  under 
a  strong  confidence  that  our  feet  had  been  rightly  turned 
amongst  them ;  a  pastor — a  stranger  to  us,  closed  the  Meet- 
ing in  a  solemn  and  beautiful  prayer. 

After  this,  we  proceeded  on  our  journey  to  Montpellier, 
where  important  service  opened  for  us.  A  Protestant  Ladies' 
Committee  was  formed  to  visit  the  great  Female  Prison  there ; 
much  important  advice  offered  to  the  Governor  upon  the 
changes  now  being  made  in  the  prison,  and  female  officers 
being  appointed ;  we  appeared  to  go  in  the  very  time  wanted, 
and  obtained  the  liberation  of  several  poor  women  from  their 
very  sad  cells.  The  Prefet  was  most  kind  to  us,  and  thus, 
our  way  was  easily  made :  the  Mayor  and  all  with  us.  Help 
was  given  me  to  speak  religiously  to  the  poor  women,  before 
all  these  gentlemen. 

On  the  day  that  Elizabeth  Fry  left  Montpellier,  she 
diverged  to  Cette,  and  crossing  the  Lagune  of  Thon,  in  the* 
boat  of  an  English  merchant  vessel,  rejoined  her  companions 
at  Me'ze,  a  little  fishing  village  on  its  banks ;  the  British 
Consul  and  his  wife  came  with  her,  and  the  captain  of  the 
merchantman.  It  was  a  temperance  ship,  and  the  Cap- 
tain a  serious  man.  Whilst  waiting  at  Meze,  to  avoid 
the  raid-day  sun,  Elizabeth  Fry  wrote  to  her  friend  John 
Carey,  of  Guernsey,  to  interest  him  on  behalf  of  the  Bri- 
tish seamen  frequenting  the  port  of  Cette,  and  to  intreat 
67 


530  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FEY.  [1839. 

him  to  obtain  for  them  a  supply  of  Bibles,  Testaments,  and 
Tracts. 

Journal  resumed : — 

We  proceeded  from  place  to  place  until  we  arrived  at 
Toulouse,  on  Seventh-day  evening,  the  16th  of  the  Sixth 
Month.  On  First-day  evening,  we  met  a  large  number  of 
Protestants  at  one  of  their  Scripture-readings.  At  the  close, 
a  solemn  prayer  was  offered  for  us  by  Francis  Courtois,  one 
of  a  very  remarkable  trio  of  brothers,  (bankers  there,)  all 
three  of  whom  are  given  up  to  the  service  of  their  Lord,  and 
appear  to  have  been  instruments  greatly  blessed.  Their 
kindness  to  us  was  very  great.  In  Toulouse  we  visited  two 
prisons ;  had  one  important  Prison  Meeting,  and  one  ex- 
ceedingly solemn  and  satisfactory  Scripture-reading  and 
time  of  prayer,  with  the  Courtois  family,  one  or  two  pas- 
teurs,  and  other  religious  persons. 

I  left  my  husband,  who  was  unwell  from  the  heat,  at  Tou- 
louse, and  went  in  faith,  and  somewhat  in  the  cross,  to 
Montauban  ;  the  place  where  the  ministers  of  the  Protestant 
Church  of  France  are  educated ;  but  I  believed  it  right  to 
go — Josiah  Forster  accompanied  me. 

To  HER  CHILDREN  IN  ENGLAND. 

Bagndres  de  Luchon,  Sixth  Month,  23rrf,  First-day. 
Here  I  sit  before  breakfast,  with  a  most  lovely  scene  be- 
fore me.  On  entering  this  solemn  Sabbath  morning — my 
soul  and  body  refreshed,  not  only  in  admiring  the  wonderful 
works  of  the  outward  creation,  and  being  revived  by  the  de- 
lightful air,  fresh  from  the  snowy  mountains  before  me ;  but 
what  is  more,  my  soul  refreshed.  I  have  been  enabled  to 
lift  my  heart  to  my  Heavenly  Father,  for  every  brother, 
sister,  and  child" individually,  and  for  my  dear  husband;  and 
collectively,  for  my  many  beloved  ones  ;  committing  all  to 
His  holy  keeping.  I  feel  rest.  And  now,  my  beloved 
children,  I  will  tell  you  a  little  how  we  go  on. 


1839.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  531 

My  attraction  homewards  grows  stronger  and  stronger,  but 
I  desire  patiently  to  wait  the  right  time ;  the  openings  for 
religious  service  are  greater  than  I  expected,  more  particu- 
larly amongst  the  Protestants,  at  Montpellier,  Toulouse,  and 
Montauban.  At  Montauban,  without  expressing  any  other 
wish,  than  to  have  an  evening  party  at  one  of  their  houses, 
to  meet  some  of  the  professors  and  students  of  the  College, 
(the  only  one  in  France  for  educating  Pasteurs  for  the  Re- 
formed Church,)  we  found,  to  our  dismay,  all  arranged  to 
receive  us  in  the  College ;  and  on  arriving  there,  imagine 
how  I  felt,  when  the  Dean  of  the  College  offered  me  his  arm, 
to  take  me  into  the  chapel.  There,  I  believe,  the  whole  of 
the  collegians  were  assembled,  in  all  at  least  a  hundred.  It 
was  fearful  work.  There  were  also  numbers  of  the  people 
of  the  town ;  we  thought  about  three  hundred.  Josiah  For- 
ster  spoke  first,  explaining  our  views  at  some  length.  Then 
I  rose,  with  an  excellent  interpreter,  one  of  their  pasteurs ; 
I  first  told  them  something  of  my  Prison  experience,  and  the 
power  of  Christian  principle  and  kindness ;  then,  I  related  a 
little  of  the  state  of  their  prisons  in  France ;  then,  my  ideas 
as  to  the  general  state  of  France;  and  afterwards  endeavoured 
to  bring  home  to  them  the  extreme  importance  of  their  future 
calling,  as  pasteurs  in  their  Church.  I  reminded  them  of 
that  passage  of  Scripture,  "  the  leaders  of  the  people  caused 
them  to  err."  I  endeavoured  to  show  them  how  awful  such 
a  state  of  things  must  be,  and  the  extreme  importance  of 
their  being  sound  in  doctrine  and  practice.  Simple  duty  led 
me  to  Montauban.  Josiah  F.  was  my  kind  and  useful  com- 
panion. We  were  united  in  much  Christian  love  to  many 
there.  I  forgot  to  say,  that  at  the  close  of  the  occasion,  the 
pasteur  who  interpreted  for  me,  prayed  beautifully  and  spirit- 
ually, that  the  words  spoken  might  profit  the  people ;  he  also 
prayed  for  us ;  this  has  frequently  occurred  at  the  close  of 
some-of  our  interesting  Meetings ;  a  pouring  forth  of  the 
spirit  of  prayer  has  been  granted.  My  not  knowing  the 
language  has  obstructed  my  offering  it,  and  it  has  appeared 


532  LITE    uF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1839. 

laid  upon  others  instead.  I  have  seldom  felt  sweeter  peace 
in  leaving  a  place  than  Montauban.  At  Toulouse  we  were 
deeply  interested  by  the  Courtois'  brothers :  they  appear, 
body,  soul,  and  spirit,  devoted  to  the  service  of  their  Lord  : 
quite  a  bright  example  to  all  of  us.  The  world  appeared  as 
nothing  to  them.  I  Lave  seldom  seen  men  so  wholly  given 
up  to  good  and  useful  objects  :  they  were  most  kind  to  us. 
We  had  various  calls  of  duty  in  that  town,  and  I  had  a  most 
excellent  interpreter  in  Frangois  Courtois.  We  arrived  hero 
yesterday  evening,  after  serious  consideration,  believing  it 
the  best  to  pursue  this  course.  A  certain  time  of  quiet  ap- 
pears really  needful  to  make  representations  to  the  French 
government,  and  to  those  in  authority,  of  the  various  evils 
that  want  remedy  in  Prisons,  &c.  We  understand  there  are 
many  seeking,  serious  minds,  to  whom  we  may  be  of  some 
comfort,  which  helps  to  reconcile  us  to  the  measure. 

Elizabeth  Fry's  perseverance  had  surmounted  every  ob- 
stacle as  long  as  her  physical  powers  permitted  ;  but  from 
the  effects  of  fatigue,  and  the  heat  of  the  climate,  they  were 
beginning  to  fail.  Rest,  and  some  cessation  from  mental  and 
bodily  exertion  had  become  indispensable,  and  she  yielded, 
though  not  without  reluctance,  to  her  husband's  wish  for  a 
short  tarriance  in  the  cooler  atmosphere  of  the  Pyrenees. 
Speaking  of  this  retreat,  she  says — 

We  went  from  Toulouse  to  Bagneres  de  Luchon,  a  most 
lovely  place  where  we  had  a  sweet,  quiet  lodging.  I  took  two 
wonderfully  fine  excursions  with  my  husband  and  children, 
(Josiah  Forster  partly  with  us,)  which  I  rather  enjoyed,  par- 
ticularly going  into  Spain. 

One  of  these  expeditions  was  to  the  Lake  D'Oo.  Eliza- 
beth Fry  and  her  daughter  were  carried  in  chairs,  each  borne 
by  four  men,  until  they  were  about  halfway  up  a  steep  ascent, 
on  a  little  level  of  green  sward,  shadowed  by  a  huge  rock. 
They  quitted  their  chairs  for  the  carriers  to  rest  themselves. 


1839.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  533 

A  group  of  wild-looking  peasants  were  reposing  near.  Eliza- 
beth Fry  sat  down  by  them,  and  entered  into  conversation  ; 
they  assured  her  they  "  adored  the  Virgin  in  those  parts ;" 
she  took  out  a  French  Text-Book  ; — the  eight  bearers  joined 
the  party.  She  read  some  words  of  Scripture,  then  drew 
ittention  to  the  wondeful  works  of  God  in  creation,  in  the 
beautiful  scene  around  them ;  then  she  spoke  of  His  infinite 
mercy  in  sending  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  to  redeem  them. 
They  listened  with  earnestness  and  respect,  and  thankfully 
received  the  little  books  she  offered. 

A  day  or  two  afterwards  they  ventured  on  a  short  excur- 
sion into  Spain.  A  cool  wet  night,  followed  by  a  cloudy 
morning,  gave  hopes  of  less  heat ;  after  leaving  Luchon,  the 
party  rode  through  the  forest  and  valley  of  Beurbe,  defiling 
along  the  most  exquisite  mountain  pass ;  higher  and  higher  it 
led  them,  till,  on  an  elevated  crest,  the  path  turned  suddenly 
downwards  at  a  point  called  the  "  Postillion,"  where  a  small 
rock  marked  the  boundary,  and  the  guide  exclaimed,  "Nous 
voici  en  Espagne."  They  continued  their  descent  for  about 
half-an-hour,  till  they  reached  the  boundary,  where  beech- 
trees  and  oaks  again  grew,  amidst  small  patches  of  cultiva- 
tion. Two  Catalonian  peasants  were  there,  in  their  brown 
costume  and  scarlet  sashes,  and  caps  with  long  depending 
peaks.  Elizabeth  Fry,  through  the  kind  agency  of  Josiah 
Forster,  was  well  supplied  with  extracts  from  Scripture  in 
Spanish;  to  these  men  she  gave  several  of  them.  Whilst 
the  travellers  dined  on  the  grass,  they  observed  one  of  the 
men  reading  attentively  as  he  sat  under  the  shade  of  a  spread- 
ing chesnut,  surrounded  by  his  flock  of  goats.  When  rested 
and  refreshed  they  continued  their  descent  to  a  spot  where 
they  found  several  scattered  cottages.  Desiring  to  sow  as 
44  beside  all  waters,"  Elizabeth  Fry  left  the  little  Scripture 
extracts  at  all  these  ;  in  the  manger  of  a  cow-house,  or  on  a 
nail  of  a  door,  for  she  had  heard  that  the  Spaniards,  including 
the  priests,  were  eager  for  books,  and  carefully  preserved 
them. 


534  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1839. 

During  their  little  recess  at  Luchon,  Elizabeth  Fry,  as- 
sisted by  her  companions,  prepared  a  memorial  of  consider- 
able length  for  the  Minister  of  the  Interior,  and  a  shorter  one 
for  the  Prefect  of  Police,  embodying  her  observations  on  the 
state  of  the  prisons  \vhich  she  had  inspected,  and  her  recom- 
mendations for  their  improvement. 

From  Bagneres  de  Luchon,  they  went  to  Bagneres  de 
Bigorre,  entering  the  gorge  that  heads  to  Luz  and  "  St.  Sau- 
veur."  They  passed  the  ruined  castle  of  "  St.  Marie,"  built 
by  the  English,  the  Templar's  Fortress-church  at  Luz,  and 
pursued  their  way  to  "  St.  Sauveur."  There  they  remained 
some  days,  amidst  the  shadowy  mountains  which  surround 
the  town,  and  the  rushing  waters,  not  only  of  the  Gaves,  or 
rapid  rivers  of  the  district,  but  of  the  numerous  little  rivulets 
which  feed  them,  tumbling  and  foaming  from  the  rocks 
above. 

The  rest  obtained  here  was  beneficial  to  both  body  and 
mind  ;  and  it  is  interesting  to  observe  how,  from  the  pressure 
of  engagements  of  a  most  weighty  character,  the  spirit  of 
Elizabeth  Fry  was  permitted,  with*  a  lively  elasticity,  to  un- 
bend and  to  repose  itself  in  peace.  She  was  endowed  with 
a  capacity  for  much  enjoyment  in  the  varied  scenes  of  nature, 
and  whether  she  beheld  the  grandeur  of  Alpine  heights,  or 
the  rich  foliage  of  the  fertile  valleys  j  whether  she  gathered 
the  shell  on  the  beach,  or  the  humble  floweret  by  the  road- 
side ;  whether  she  surveyed  the  bright  tints  of  a  splendid 
sunset,  or  gazed  on  the  wonders  of  the  starry  sky, — she  saw 
in  each,  the  impress  of  a  Father's  hand,  graciously  providing 
for  His  children,  a  store  of  blessing  and  a  source  of  sanc- 
tified delight.  She  had  also  a  nice,  discriminating  taste  for 
the  beauties  of  art.  This  gift,  implanted  in  different  degrees 
in  every  human  mind,  by  the  great  Former  of  all  things,  was 
held  by  Elizabeth  Fry  in  subserviency  to  the  beneficient 
Giver.  She  felt  pleasure  in  witnessing  the  products  of  genius 
and  skill,  when  calculated  to  promote  the  convenience,  or  the 
innocent  enjoyment  of  man. 


1839.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  535 

How  heart-saddening  is  the  consideration  that  the  artist, 
favoured  by  Heaven  with  surpassing  talent,  so  frequently  de- 
votes it  to  the  most  unholy  purposes — pandering  to  the  evil 
propensities  of  our  corrupt  nature,  instead  of  glorifying  the 
Almighty  Creator,  in  serving  His  creatures,  by  the  exercise 
of  some  measure  of  a  power  to  originate  and  construct  that 
which  is  useful  and  beautiful — a  power  which  in  its  infinite- 
ness,  framed  the  architecture  of  the  heavens  and  the  earth. 

On  their  return,  E.  Fry  writes : — 

We  left  Toulouse  last  Second-day,  and  have  been  travelling 
rather  hard  through  the  South  of  France ;  the  heat  very  op- 
pressive. Little  religious  service  opened  on  the  way.  But 
at  Montpellier  and  Nismes,  we  again  met  some  of  our  dear 
friends,  and  there  appeared  reason  to  believe  that  our  labour 
had  not  been  in  vain  in  the  Lord,  particularly  at  Nismes  and 
Congenies.  Oh,  may  our  Heavenly  Father  bless  and  pros- 
per the  seed  scattered  by  us,  His  unworthy  instruments ;  and 
may  He,  in  His  tender  and  unmerited  mercy,  guide  and 
guard  us  to  the  end !  Answer,  I  pray  Thee,  the  deep  cries 
of  Thy  servant  for  Thine  own  name's  sake,  and  cause  Thy 
love  and  peace  ta  abound  in  our  little  circle,  until  we 
separate. 

Bonigen,  near  Interlachen,  Switzerland,  Eighth  Month, 
llth. — I  believe  that  my  gracious  Lord  has  guided  our  steps 
to  this  place  ;  blessed  be  His  name.  Now  to  go  on  with  my 
journal.  At  Grenoble,  where  I  felt  rather  pressed  in  spirit, 
to  spend  a  First-day,  I  had  a  curious  opening  for  religious 
service,  and  I  believe  an  important  one  with  several  en- 
lightened Roman  Catholics,  several  Protestants,  and  a  school 
of  girls.  It  was  a  time  of  spiritual  refreshment,  by  which 
many  appeared  helped  and  comforted.  The  next  day  was 
occupied  in  important  prison  visits,  and  in  the  evening  a 
Meeting  with  influential  Roman  Catholics. 

Josiah  Forster  having  left  us  to  go  by  diligence  to  Geneva, 
we  travelled  alone  through  Savoy,  and  had  a  pleasant  journey 
through  a  lovely  country ;  but  the  darkness  of  the  Roman 


530  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1839. 

Catholic  religion,  and  the  arbitrary  laws  not  allowing  even  a 
tract  to  be  given  away,  were  painful ;  we  found  that  a  Swiss 
gentleman  had  lately  been  imprisoned  for  doing  it,  and  con- 
fined with  a  thief.  We  arrived  at  Geneva,  the  25th  of  the 
Seventh  Month,  in  the  evening.  Here  we  passed  a  very  in- 
teresting time,  from  various  and  important  openings  for  reli- 
gious service,  in  large  parties,  in  prisons,  &c.  My  belief  is, 
that  we  were  sent  to  that  place,  and  amidst  some  trials,  from 
different  causes,  there  was  a  pouring  forth  of  spiritual  help, 
and  spiritual  peace.  Many  of  the  pasteurs  came  to  us,  and 
not  a  few  expressed  their-  refreshment  and  satisfaction  with 
our  visit ;  before  we  left,  several  of  the  most '  spiritual,  in  a 
very  striking  and  beautiful  manner  preached  to  us,  particu- 
larly to  myself,  and  prayed  for  us  all :  a  time,  I  think,  never 
to  be  forgotten  by  us.  I  believe  the  anointing  was  poured 
forth  upon  me,  to  speak  the  truth  in  love  and  power.  I  had 
an  excellent  spiritually-minded  interpreter  (Professor  La 
Harpe) :  many  appear  to  feel  this  occasion.  A  young 
English  gentleman  came  up  to  me  afterwards,  and  expressed 
his  belief  that  it  would  influence  him  for  life ;  and  a  lady 
came  to  me,  and  said,  how  remarkably  her  state  had  been 
spoken  to.  Much  love  was  also  shown  to  us,  and  unity. 
Indeed,  I  felt  how  our  Lord  permits  His  servants  to  rejoice 
together  in  love,  and  even  to  partake  of  the  good  things  of 
this  life,  in  His  love  and  fear,  with  a  subjected  spirit,  re- 
joicing in  His  mercies,  temporal  and  spiritual.  We  had  very 
great  kindness  also  shown  to  us  by  many,  among  others,  by 
our  dear  friend  Mary  Ann  Vernet  and  her  family,  including 
her  daughter  the  Baroness  de  Sta'el,  with  whom  we  dined 
at  Copet.  The  Duke  de  Broglie  and  his  family  were  with 
her ;  we  had  a  very  interesting  visit.  We  went  from  Geneva 
to  our  dear  friend  Sophia  Delessert;  her  husband  was  out; 
they  have  a  beautiful  place  on  the  banks  of  the  Lake  of 
Geneva,  near  Rolle  ;  here  we  had  the  warmest  reception, 
and  were  refreshed  and  comforted  together;  she  is  truly 
loved  by  me. 


1839.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  537 

Of  a  very  important  and  interesting  occasion,  where,  at 
Beseinge,  the  beautiful  residence  of  Colonel  Tronchin,  Eliza- 
beth Fry  met  more  than  a  hundred  persons,  we  have  some 
remarkable  particulars,  from  the  pen  of  a  young  student, 
since  become  the  Secretary  of  the  "  Belgian  Socie'te'  Evan- 
gelique."  He  says  : — 

"We  had  half  expected  a  philosophical  discourse  upon  subjects 
of  philanthropic  and  general  interest,  but  every  thing  that  fell  from 
her  lips  was  characterized  by  delicacy,  extreme  simplicity,  and  an 
ardent  desire  to  draw  our  attention  to  our  own  happiness,  in  being 
permitted  the  opportunity  for  meditation  on  the  one  subject  which 
seemed  always  present  in  her  thoughts,  Christ  Jesus  crucified  for 
the  expiation  of  our  sins.  At  this  distance  of  time  I  have  an 
actual  realization  of  the  opening  of  her  exhortation — '  I  think/ 
said  she,  '  it  is  impossible  for  us  to  be  more  profitably  employed 
than  by  occupying  the  next  few  moments,  with  the  contemplation 
of  the  love  which  the  Lord  Jesus  has  for  us  !'  The  rooms  were 
full  to  overflowing;  my  fellow-students  and  I  took  up  our  places 
in  the  passage,  on  the  stair-case,  crowded  round  the  open  door, 
eagerly  hanging  on  such  parts  of  the  beautiful  exhortation,  as  we 
could  catch  by  the  most  breathless  attention;  after  she  had  con- 
cluded, she  kindly  came  out  amongst  us,  and  expressed  her  regret 
that  we  should  have  been  so  inconvenienced.  I  can  see  her  now, 
her  tall  figure  leaning  on  Colonel  Tronchin's  arm,  M.  la  Harpe 
at  her  side,  her  dignified,  animated,  yet  softened  countenance, 
bending  towards  us.  I  can  never  forget  it.  Such  occasions  are 
rare  in  life,  they  are  very  green  spots  in  the  garden  of  memory — 
more,  they  are  opportunities  given  for  improvement,  solemnly 
increasing  the  responsibility  of  each  who  participates  in  them.  May 
I  never  lose  the  impression  of  that  day  at  Beseinge,  nor  the  holy 
lessons  I  there  heard  and  learnt." 

On  the  First-day  morning  the  travellers  sat  down  in  their 
room  as  usual,  to  worship  after  the  simple  manner  of  Friends. 
Some  of  the  Vernet  family,  and  a  few  others  were  present, 
and  it  proved  a  very  solemn  meeting.  In  the  evening,  their 
scripture-reading  was  attended  by  several  pasteurs  and  a  very 
68 


538  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1839. 

numerous  company,  some  belonging  to  the  "  evangelical" 
section  of  the  "  church,"  and  others  to  that  "  national 
"church,"  which  has  become  tinctm^d  with  vital  error — the 
consequence  of  submitting  the  truths  of  divine  revelation  to 
the  scrutiny  and  decisions  of  mere  human  reason. 

On  this  occasion,  Elizabeth  Fry  read  the  58th  chapter  of 
Isaiah,  and  spoke  at  length  on  some  parts  of  it.  She  prayed 
solemnly  for  those  present ;  for  the  pasteurs,  that  they  might 
be  endued  with  wisdom  and  strength,  for  all  who  love  the 
Lord,  everywhere  and  of  every  name,  and  for  the  inhabi- 
tants of  Geneva  in  particular. 

At  Lausanne,  we  met  with  a  kind  friend,  Charles  Scholl, 
whom  we  knew  in  England,  a  valuable  pasteur.  We  visited 
the  prisons  ;  and  with  the  women  I  had  a  religious  time,  one 
that  appears  to  have  made  a  considerable  impression  upon 
some  of  them.  I  have  had  very  comforting  accounts  since  I 
was  there.  A  good  many  ladies  and  some  gentlemen,  met 
Josiah  Forster  and  myself  at  a  lady's  house,  where  the  sub- 
ject of  prisons  was  entered  upon.  In  the  evening  we  met  a 
very  large  party,  numbers  of  pasteurs,  &c.,  at  a  gentleman's 
beautiful  place  on  the  banks  of  the  lake  ;  here  again  we  had 
a  deeply  interesting  time.  I  had  to  speak  for  some  time, 
showing  the  effect  of  Christian  principle  and  kindness  on 
prisoners.  I  was  well  interpreted  for,  by  my  friend  Charles 
Scholl.  In  conclusion,  one  valuable  pasteur  read,  and  ano- 
ther prayed  for  my  preservation  in  my  peculiar  situation,  and 
that  I  might  not  be  entangled  by  the  many  snares  that  sur- 
rounded me.  Much  love  and  real  unity  we  felt  with  many 
of  these  dear  people.  We  then  proceeded  to  Berne  by  Fri- 
burg ;  at  Berne  I  again  visited  the  Prison.  These  Peni- " 
tentiaries  at  Geneva,  Lausanne,  and  Berne  interested  me 
much,  as  excellent;  still. there  are  some  things  wanting  At 
Berne,  I  had  also  a  religious  time  with  all  the  female  pri- 
soners. We  visited  the  large  and  interesting  institution  of 
Dr.  Fellenburg  for  boys,  with  which  I  was  much  pleased ; 


1839.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FEY.  539 

but  I  desired  more  reading  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and 
spoke  and  wrote  to  him  on  the  subject.  We  had  a  very 
hospitable  reception  to  dinner,  invited  for  half-past  eleven, 
from  a  gentleman  and  his  lady.  At  the  prison,  I  was,  at 
first,  badly  interpreted  for,  when  a  young  lady,  Sophia 
Werstemburger,  came  forward,  as  she  has  since  told  me, 
from  believing  it  a  duty,  and  offered  to  assist  me.  It  was 
striking  to  me  to  observe,  how  remarkably  she  appeared 
helped  to  do  it,  and  to  convey  my  meaning. 

The  subject  of  this  excellent  and  solemn  address  was 
afterwards  published  by  Sophia  Werstemburger  in  a  German 
tract,  and  has  been  extensively  used  in  Prisons 

We  resume  the  journal. 

After  this  visit,  we  parted  from  our  dear  friend  Josiah 
Forster,  in  love  and  unity,  and  I  may  add,  grateful  to  him 
for  his  constant  kindness,  and  faithful  and  industrious  endea- 
vour to  help  me  in  my  various  duties.  May  it  please  the 
Lord  to  grant  him  his  reward,  in  a  further  knowledge  of 
Himself,  and  of  the  rest,  peace,  and  liberty,  that  He  gives 
to  His  children  and  people. 

From  Berne  the  travellers  went  to  Thun,  and  to  Grindel- 
vald  and  Brienz,  being  occupied  at  the  different  places  with 
their  varied  pursuits  ;  those  of  Elizabeth  Fry  were  as  usual, 
such  as  tended  to  promote  the  well-being  of  the  inhabitants. 

A  First-day  was  passed  at  Brienz,  where  they  had  the  un- 
expected pleasure  of  meeting  some  of  Elizabeth  Fry's  valued 
friends  of  the  Mackenzie  family  from  Edinburgh,  and  of 
spending  a  quiet  day  together,  concluded  by  a  reading  in  the 
evening.  The  pastor  of  this  place  was  also  visited,  arid  the 
condition  of  his  flock  inquired  into.  On  a  previous  occasion, 
when  on  the  Lake  of  Brienz,  a  poor  boy  who  rowed  the  boat, 
had  told  her  that  his  mother  lay  sick  in  a  cottage  that  ho 
pointed  out.  It  rested  on  her  mind,  and  in  crossing  the  lake 
to  return  to  Bbnigen,  she  landed,  not  without  difficulty,  ac- 
companied by  the  wife  of  the  pasteur  of  Brienz.  They 


540  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1839. 

found  the  poor  woman  very  ill  on  a  mattress,  spread  in  the 
gallery  of  her  cottage,  with  her  Bible  by  her  side ;  she  was 
an  afflicted  Christian  woman,  to  whom  the  few  words  of 
encouragement  offered  were  very  timely,  to  strengthen  that 
which,  through  bodily  suffering,  seemed  almost  ready  to  die. 
The  temporal  wants  were  not  forgotten,  and  the  case  was 
left  under  the  care  of  the  pastor's  wife. 

Whilst  at  Bb'nigen,  Herr  Mitchell,  the  landlord  of  the 
little  inn,  and  his  family,  attended  their  First-day  evening 
readings.  On  one  of  these  occasions  a  peasant  girl  was  with 
them  who  appeared  pious  and  afflicted;  her  name  was  Made- 
lina  Kauss.  She  came  from  a  neighbouring  village  to  seek 
counsel  of  Elizabeth  Fry.  Madelina  and  her  mother  had 
joined  themselves  to  a  little  body  of  serious  people,  Pietists, 
somewhat  resembling  Methodists,  seceders  from  the  National 
Church.  The  father,  a  coarse,  ignorant  man,  vehemently 
threatened  his  wife,  and  turned  his  daughter  out  of  doors  to 
earn  her  own  livelihood,  which  she  did  by  weaving  for  nine 
French  sous  a  day.  Pious  people  from  Berne  had  interfered 
on  their  behalf,  but  had  only  made  matters  worse.  It  so  fell 
out  that,  about  this  time,  a  certain  small,  old-fashioned,  black- 
letter  German  newspaper  reached  the  little  inn  at  Bb'nigen  : 
the  host  and  his  household  were  startled  on  finding  in  it  a 
long  account  of  his  guests,  "a  history  of  Mrs.  Fry,  her  works 
and  labours  of  love  ;  "  concluding  with  her  visit  to  the  Ober- 
land  of  Berne,  and  residence  at  the  Herr  Mitchell's  country 
inn.  After  careful  perusal,  it  occurred  to  the  worthy  host,  that 
in  his  inmates,  he  had  found  the  very  people  to  rectify  the 
wrongs  of  poor  Madelina,  and  restore  peace  in  her  parents' 
dwelling;  persons,  in  his  opinion,  not  to  be  resisted  by  Hen- 
rich  Kauss,  the  peasant  of  Wildersewyl,  to  whom  he  advised 
that  a  visit  should  forthwith  be  made.  When  the  carriage 
came  to  convey  the  party,  he  insisted  on  driving  it  himself, 
arrayed  in  his  holiday  costume.  The  interview  with  the 
family  was  quite  pathetic.  The  father  laid  the  fault  of  his 
violence  and  severity  on  the  grandfather,  and  he  on  the 


1839.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH     F II Y.  541 

schoolmaster ;  but  a  little  kind  and  wise  conciliation  sufficed 
to  bring  them  all  to  tears ;  they  wept  and  kissed ;  and  Herr 
Mitchell  wept  for  sympathy.  After  which,  Elizabeth  Fry 
had  a  religious  time  with  Madelina,  her  mother,  and  a  few 
of  their  neighbours ;  leaving  them  with  the  thankful  belief 
that  they  had  been  permitted  to  act  the  blessed  part  of 
peacemakers. 

What  a  messenger  of  mercy  was  Elizabeth  Fry!  Varied 
and  constant  were  the  benefits  conferred  through  her  instru- 
mentality. The  query  naturally  suggests  itself — how  could 
it  happen  that  so  many  calls  on  benevolence  and  Christian 
sympathy  could  fall  in  her  way? — the  only  reply  to  this 
must  be  the  fact,  that  she  was  appointed  by  the  Most  High  to 
her  remarkable  vocation.  He  it  was,  who,  by  the  operation 
of  His  Holy  Spirit,  qualified  her  for  the  work  that  He  or- 
dained she  should  perform ;  He  led  her  into  it  through  a 
great  diversity  of  channels, — and  through  paths  that  she 
knew  not.  Had  not  her  mind  been  subjected  to  the  divine 
will,  waiting  humbly  before  the  Lord  to  receive  direction 
from  Him,  the  purposes  of  His  wisdom  and  love  would  have 
been — at  least  by  lier — unfulfilled  and  unperceived. 

After  leaving  Bonigen,  Elizabeth  Fry  was  met  at  Thun  by 
Sophia  Werstemburger,  and  in  the  evening  Felemburgh,  the 
chaplain  of  the  prison  at  Berne,  arrived  there  also ;  a  few 
important  hours  devoted  to  prison  subjects  were  concluded 
by  a  scripture-reading,  and  a  time  of  worship. 

Zurich,  Eighth  Month,  25/A. — We  left  our  sweet  little 
home  at  Bonigen,  on  the  banks  of  the  Lake  of  Brienz,  last 
Fourth-day.  I  felt  refreshed  by  our  visit  to  this  lovely 
country.  I  think  my  prayers  have  been  heard  and  an- 
swered, in  its  being  a  very  uniting  time  with  those  most  ten- 
derly beloved  by  me.  We  have  had  some  interesting  com- 
munications with  serious  persons  in  the  humble  walk  of  life, 
who  reside  in  that  neighbourhood.  We  have  desired  to  aid 
them  spiritually  and  temporally,  but  the  difficulty  of  commu- 
nication has  been  very  great,  from  want  of  suitable  interpre- 


542  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1839. 

ters;  still,  I  trust,  that  some  were  edified  and  comforted.  I 
also  hope  our  circulation  of  books  and  tracts  has  been  useful, 
and  the  establishment  of,  at  least,  one  library  at  Brienz,  for 
the  labouring  classes.  We  have  travelled  along  gently  and 
agreeably  by  Lucerne,  and  through  a  delightful  country. 

On  the  morning  of  their  departure  from  Zurich  the  vene- 
rable pastor  Gesner,  and  many  others,  called  to  take  leave. 
This  apostolic  old  man  pronounced  a  striking  blessing  on 
Elizabeth  Fry,  to  which  she  replied  in  terms  that  caused  the 
bystanders  to  weep  aloud.  They  proceeded  to  Ludwigsburg 
for  the  First-day.  Here  she  writes — 

Ludwigsburg,  (a  few  miles  from  Siuttgard,)  Ninth  Month, 
1st. — On  the  evening  of  the  day  that  I  wrote  at  Zurich,  we 
went  with  our  dear  friend  the  Baroness  Pelet,  afterwards 
joined  by  the  Baron,  to  the  house  of  an  ancient,  devoted 
pasteur,  Gesner.  His  wife  was  the  daughter  of  that  excel- 
lent servant  of  the  Lord,  Lavater.  We  met  a  large  number 
of  persons,  I  believe  generally  serious.  I  had  proposed  to 
myself  speaking  on  the  Prison  subject,  but  my  way  opened 
differently;  to  enlarge  upon  the  state  of  the  Protestant 
Church  in  France,  to  encourage  all  its  members  to  devoted- 
ness  ;  and  particularly  in  that  place,  where  deep  trials  have 
been  their  portion,  from  their  Government  upholding  infi- 
delity and  infidel  men.  At  the  close  of  the  Meeting,  our 
venerable  friend,  Gesner,  spoke  in  a  lively,  powerful  manner, 
and  avowed  his  belief  that  the  Lord  Himself  had  enabled  me 
to  express  what  I  had  done,  it  was  so  remarkably  "  the  word 
in  season."  I  paid,  also,  a  satisfactory  religious  visit  to  the 
female  prisoners  in  the  afternoon.  The  next  morning  I  visited 
the  head  magistrate,  represented  the  evils  I  had  observed, 
and  saw  some  ladies  about  visiting  prisons.  We  afterwards 
went  a  sweet  expedition  on  the  Lake,  with  our  beloved 
friends  the  Baron  and  Baroness  Pelet.  Early  in  the  evening, 
I  set  off  with  a  dear  girl — great  grand-daughter  to  Lavater, 
and  grand-daughter  to  Pasteur  Gesner — Barbara  Ustcri,  in  a 


1839.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  543 

curious  little  carriage  to  pay  some  visits,  and  to  spend  an 
evening  at  the  house  of  the  aunt  of  Matilda  Escher,  another 
interesting  young  woman,  with  whom  I  had  become  ac- 
quainted, I  believe  providentially,  at  an  inn  near  Interlachen. 
I  had  no  one  with  me  but  strangers,  as  my  dear  family  stayed 
with  the  Baron  and  Baroness  Pelet  at  my  desire ;  but  I  feel 
not  among  strangers,  because  those  who  love  the  Lord  Jesus, 
are  dear  to  me,  and  in  our  holy  Head  we  are  one.  I  can 
hardly  express,  on  this  journey,  how  much  I  have  found  this 
to  be  the  case.  The  love,  the  unity,  and  the  home-feeling,  I 
have  had  with  those  I  never  saw  before ;  and  I  have  also 
found  how  little  it  matters  where  we  are,  for  "  where  the  God 
of  peace  is,  there  is  home." 

A  letter  to  the  resident  Inspector  of  the  Prisons  at  Lud- 
wigsburg,  was  delivered,  and  half-past  seven  o'clock  the 
next  morning,  appointed  for  her  visit  to  that  place.  There 
a  Swiss  lad  of  eighteen  years  of  age,  was  in  waiting  to  act  as 
interpreter.  The  women,  though  it  was  First-day,  were 
engaged  in  needlework  by  order  of  the  King, — a  sad  sight 
in  a  Protestant  country  !  Elizabeth  Fry  also  visited  an 
Orphan  Asylum  ;  and  in  the  evening  again  went  to  the  pri- 
son. The  women  appeared  in  a  tender,  feeling  state  of 
mind,  and  a  solemn  reading  of  the  Scriptures  impressed  them 
much.  The  travellers  proceeded  to  Frankfort,  where  they  met 
with  much  kindness  from  Christian  friends,  visited  the  pri- 
sons, and  had  a  stall  opened  in  the  town  for  the  sale  of  Bibles 
and  Tracts.  A  rapid  journey  from  that  place  brought  them 
to  Ostend,  whence  they  embarked  for  Dover  on  the  12th  of 
the  Ninth  Month,  and  they  were  favoured  to  reach  home  in 
health  and  peace  on  the  13th. 

About  two  months  later,  Elizabeth  Fry  visited  Norfolk. 
Whilst  staying  at  Lynn,  with  her  son  and  daughter  Cress- 
well,  she  found  they  contemplated  placing  their  eldest  son  in 
the  army.  This  was  to  her  a  most  painful  circumstance. 
Perhaps  there  could  not  be  found  a  spirit  to  which  war,  in 


544  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1839. 

every  shape,  was  more  deeply  abhorrent — its*  element  a  more 
absolute  contrast  with  that  atmosphere  of  love  in  which  she 
was  continually  preserved. 

From  some  members  of  her  immediate  family,  the  Compiler 
has  received  assurances  that  her  utter  disapprobation  of  this 
most  evil  system,  and  her  grief  that  any  of  her  descendants 
should  be  involved  in  it,  continued  to  the  close  of  her  life  to 
be  unalterably  strong.  She  says,  on  being  apprised  of  the  in- 
tention of  her  children  in  reference  to  this  arrangement — 

"  My  prayers  were  offered  in  secret,  that  my  Lord  would 
open  some  way  of  escape  from  a  life,  that  I  felt  to  be  so 
unchristian  and  fearful  a  one.  At  first  I  said  little,  but  kept 
my  heart  much  lifted  up  on  his  account ;  but  afterwards,  I 
fully  represented  my  views  to  him  and  to  his  parents,  and  I 
found  they  had  great  weight  with  them." 

The  pian  for  placing  this  beloved  grandchild,  who  was  but 
seventeen  years  of  age,  in  this  most  unchristian  profession, 
appeared  to  be  abandoned  ;  much  to  the  relief  and  consola- 
tion of  his  dear  grandmother. 

At  the  commencement  of  the  new  year,  Elizabeth  Fry 
pours  forth  the  desires  of  her  soul  in  prayer,  as  follows  : — 

Under  a  sweet  feeling  of  Thy  merciful  and  providential 
care  over  us,  and  Thy  gentle  dealings  towards  us,  most  gra- 
cious Lord  God,  I  humbly  return  Thee  thanks,  and  ask  Thee 
in  faith,  and  in  the  name  of  our  Redeemer,  to  continue  to  be 
with  us,  to  keep  us,  and  bless  us,  and  more  abundantly  to 
bestow  upon  us  the  gifts  of  Thine  own  Holy  Spirit,  that  we 
may  faithfully  fill  the  office  Thou  mayst  call  us  into,  to  Thy 
glory,  the  good  of  others,  and  the  spreading  of  the  truth  as 
it  is  in  Jesus ;  also,  be  pleased,  not  only  to  bestow  on  us  the 
gifts,  but  also  the  graces  of  Thy  Spirit,  that  in  meekness 
and  deep  humility,  and  much  patience  and  long-suffering,  we 
may  walk  worthy  of  Thee,  who  hast  called  us  to  Thy  king- 
dom and  glory.  And  now,  Holy  Father,  under  a  fresh 


1840.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FHY.  545 

feeling  of  Thy  love,  Thy  pity,  and  Thine  unmerited  mercy 
towards  us,  I  commend  my  husband,  myself,  children, 
grandchildren,  brothers,  sisters,  and  their  children,  and  all 
my  beloved  friends  at  home  and  abroad,  and  all  who  love 
Thy  name  and  fear  Thee,  particularly  the  afflicted  and 
tempted,  to  Thy  most  Holy  keeping  ;  and  I  also  pray  Thee, 
for  the  sake  of  Thy  beloved  Son  Christ  Jesus  our  Saviour, 
who  tasted  death  for  every  man,  to  regard  for  good  the  world 
at  large,  especially  those  who  yet  sit  in  darkness.  Lift  up 
the  light  of  Thy  blessed  and  holy  countenance  upon  .these, 
and  all  wanderers,  that  they  may  behold  Thy  beauty  and 
excellency,  and  come  to  the  knowledge  of  Thyself  and  Thy 
dear  Son.  So  be  it,  most  merciful  Lord  God,  that  the  day 
may  hasten  forward,  when  the  knowledge  of  Thyself  and 
Thy  Christ,  through  the  power  of  Thy  Spirit,  may  cover  the 
earth,  even  as  the  waters  cover  the  sea  !  Amen. 

Elizabeth  Fry  had,  previously  to  her  last  visit  to  the  Con- 
tinent, believed  it  would  be  her  duty  to  extend  it  to  parts  of 
Germany.  The  way  thither  did  not,  however,  then  appear 
fully  to  open.  The  attraction  to  that  country  was  not  less- 
ened, and,  with  the  concurrence  of  her  friends  at  home,  she 
prepared  again  to  set  out  on  this  gospel  mission.  Her  en- 
deared friend  and  brother  in  Christ,  William  Allen,  was 
impressed  with  a  belief  that  he  was  required  by  his  Lord  to 
unite  with  her  in  the  service.  Before  entering  on  their 
travels  they  were  called  on  to  perform  several  important 
duties  in  their  own  land,  as  will  be  shown  by  the  following 
entries  in  the  journal : 

First  Month,  1840. — An  eventful  time  in  public  and  pri- 
vate life.  Our  young  Queen  is  to  be  married  to.  Prince 
Albert.  She  has  sent  me  a  present  of  fifty  pounds  for  our 
Refuge  at  Chelsea,  by  Lord  Normanby.  Political  commo- 
tions about  the  country — riots  in  Wales — much  religious  stir 
in  the  "  Church  of  England,"  numbers  of  persons  becoming 
much  the  same  as  Roman  Catholics — Popish  doctrines 
G9 


646  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  1840. 

preached  openly  in  many  of  the  churches — infidel  principles, 
in  the  form  of  Socialism,  gaining  ground. 

To  a  seriously-disposed  person  to  whom  Elizabeth  Fry 
had  been  an  instrument  of  religious  edification,  she  wrote  on 
the  15th  of  First  Month  of  this  year,  from  Upton  : 

My  dear  Friend, 

Thy  few  lines  gave  me  solid  satisfaction,  because  they  be- 
speak the  real  work  of  grace  going  on  in  thy  heart.  Does 
not  our  Lord  say,  "  By  their  fruits  ye  shall  know  them  ?" 
What  will  any  profession  of  religion  avail  us — however  high 
— unless  we  have  "put  on  the  new  man,  which  after  God  is 
created  in  righteousness  and  true  holiness  ?"  I  am  very 
deeply  impressed  with  this  most  important  truth,  and  much 
wish  that  those  who  profess  Christ,  every  where,  and  of  all 
denominations,  felt  it  more ;  but  Satan  tries  to  turn  them 
from  it,  and  to  have  their  religion  consist  in  some  outward 
form,  and  some  peculiar  views  of  doctrine,  some  exalted  pro- 
fession, rather  than,  in  deep  humility  and  meekness  of  spirit, 
acknowledging  the  Lord  to  be  their  Saviour,  and  the  Holy 
Spirit  to  be  their  Guide,  Comforter,  and  Sanctifier. 
Farewell,  thy  affectionately  interested  Friend, 

ELIZABETH  FEY. 

Upton,  Second  Month,  1st. — I  am  called  to  visit  our  young 
Queen  to-day,  in  company  with  William  Allen,  and  I  hope 
my  brother  Samuel  also. 

We  went  to  Buckingham  Palace,  and  saw  the  Queen. 
Our  interview  was  short.  Lord  Normanby,  the  Home  Secre- 
tary, presented  us.  The  Queen  asked  us  where  we  were 
going  on  the  Continent.  She  said  it  was  some  years  since 
she  saw  me.  She  asked  about  Caroline  Neave's  Refuge,  for 
which  she  had  lately  sent  the  fifty  pounds.  This  gave  me 
an  opportunity  of  thanking  her.  I  ventured  to  express  my 
satisfaction  that  she  encouraged  various  works  of  charity ; 
and  I  said  it  reminded  me  of  the  words  of  Scripture,  "  with 


1840.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  547 

the  merciful  Thou  wilt  show  Thyself  merciful."  Before  we 
withdrew,  I  stopped  and  said,  I  hoped  the  Queen  would 
allow  me  to  assure  her,  that  it  was  our  prayer  that  the  bless- 
ing of  God  might  rest  upon  the  Queen  and  her  Consort. 

I  have  for  some  time  believed  that  duty  would  call  me  to 
have  a  meeting  in  London  or  the  neighbourhood,  previous 
to  leaving  home.  I  see  many  difficulties  attached  to  it,  and 
perhaps  none  so  much,  as  my  great  fear  of  women  coming 
too  forward  in  these  things,  beyond  what  the  Scripture  dic- 
tates ;  but  I  am  sure  the  Scripture  most  clearly  and  forcibly 
lays  down  the  principle  that  the  Spirit  is  not  to  be  grieved, 
or  quenched,  or  vexed,  or  resisted ;  and  on  this  principle  I 
act ;  under  the  earnest  desire  that  whatever  the  Lord  leads 
me  into  by  his  Spirit  may  be  done  faithfully  to  Him,  and  in 
His  name ;  and  I  am  of  opinion,  that  nothing  Paul  said,  to 
discourage  women's  speaking  in  the  Churches,  alluded  to 
their  speaking  through  the  help  of  the  Spirit,  as  he  clearly 
gave  directions  how  they  should  conduct  themselves  under 
such  circumstances,  when  they  prayed  or  prophesied. 

In  a  letter  written  a  few  days  afterwards,  one  who  was 
present,  not  a  Friend,  described  that  Meeting  in  the  follow- 
ing words : — 

"  It  was  really  a  most  impressive  occasion — the  large,  fine,  circu- 
lar building  filled — not  less,  I  should  think,  than  fifteen  hundred 
present.  She  began  by  entreating  the  sympathy  and  supplications 
of  those  present.  I  cannot  tell  you  how  mine  flowed  forth  on  her 
behalf.  After  her  prayer,  we  sat  still  for  some  time,  then  William 
Allen  spoke,  and  then  she  rose,  giving  as  a  text,  'Yield  your- 
selves unto  God,  as  those  that  are  alive  from  the  dead  ;'  and  uncom- 
monly fine  was  her  animated,  yet  tender  exhortation  to  all  present, 
but  more  especially  the  young,  to  present  themselves  as  living 
sacrifices  to  the  Lord, — to  be  made  of  Him  new  creatures  in  Christ — 
the  old  things  passed  away,  and  all  things  become  new,  as  those 
alive  from  the  dead.  This  change  she  dwelt  and  enlarged  on 
much;  its  character,  and  the  Power  that  alone  can  effect  it;  the 
duty  demanded  of  us — 'Yield  yourselves;'  aud  its  infinite  and 


548  1. 1  r K  OF   K L I  z  A  B  E  T  n   F  n y.  [1840. 

eternal  blessedness.     I  was  astonished  and  deeply  impressed  j  the 
feeling  was,  '  surely  God  is  amongst  us  of  a  truth.'" 

All  now  appeared  clearly  open  for  her  leaving  home,  in 
order  to  proceed  with  the  work  that  she  believed  was  re- 
quired on  the  Continent.  She  was  accompanied,  not  only  by 
her  friend,  William  Allen,  but  also  by  her  beloved  brother, 
Samuel  Gurney — his  daughter  Elizabeth  and  Lucy  Brad- 
shaw  were  enlisted  in  the  service — being  much  needed,  as 
helpers  to  their  more  aged  friends,  who,  although  possessing 
undiminished  energy  of  mind  and  feeling,  were  evidently 
less  vigorous  in  physical  power  than  heretofore.  Their 
valued  friend,  Josiah  Forster,  joined  this  little  band,  and 
rendered  important  assistance  to  them.  They  embarked 
for  Ostend :  on  arriving  there,  Elizabeth  Fry  wrote  to  her 
family : — 

Ostend,  Second  Month,  2,7th,  finished  Ghent,  29/A. 

We  are  favoured  with  a  bright  morning,  and  we  may 
thankfully  say  that  our  spirits  are  permitted  to  partake  of 
the  same  brightness.  I  have  a  sweet  feeling  of  being  in  the 
right  place.  An  order  is  come  from  the  Belgian  Government 
for  us  to  visit  their  prisons.  So  the  way  opens  before  us ; 
and  though  I  give  up  much  to  enter  these  services,  and  feel 
leaving  my  most  tenderly  beloved  ones,  yet  there  is  such  a 
sense  of  the  blessedness  of  the  service,  and  the  honour  of 
doing  the  least  thing  for  my  Lord,  unworthy  as  I  am,  that  it 
often  brings  a  peculiar  feeling  of  health,  (if  I  may  so  say) 
as  well  as  peace,  to  my  body,  soul,  and  spirit. 

My  brother  Samuel  is  a  capital  travelling  companion,  so 
zealous,  so  able,  so  willing,  so  generous ;  and  I  find  dear 
Elizabeth  sweet,  pleasant,  and  cheering.  Bruges  is  a  de- 
lightful old  town.  Here  we  visited  the  English  Convent, 
where  to  our  surprise,  we  could  only  speak  through  a 
grating.  We  had  a  good  deal  of  conversation  with  dear 

S.  P 's  sister  and  the  Superior.     They  appeared  very 

interesting  women.     We  talked  about  their  shutting-in  sys 
tern.     I    expressed  my  disapprobation  of   it  as   a    general 


1840.]  LIFE   OF  ELIZABETH   FRY.  549 

practice,  and  one  liable  to  such  great  abuse.  I  sent  them 
some  books,  and  mean  to  send  more.  We  also  visited  a 
large  school ;  and  to  the  great  pleasure  and  amusement  of 
the  children,  your  uncle  gave  them  all  a  present.  They 
could  not  in  the  least  understand  our  language,  as  they 
speak  Flemish. 

We  have  been  much  interested,  this  morning,  in  visiting 
the  Maison  de  Force  ;  it  is  a  very  excellent  prison  of  con- 
siderable size,  but  wants  some  things  very  much.  We  have 
since  been  occupied  with  the  numerous  English  here.  They 
are  without  pasteur  or  school,  and  quite  in  a  deplorable  state. 
We  propose  having  a  meeting  with  them  of  a  religious  and 
philanthropic  nature,  and  hope  to  establish  some  schools,  &c., 
amongst  them. 

May  the  blessing  of  the  Most  High  abundantly  rest  on 
you  all. 

From  Brussels,  Third  Month,  1st. 

We  left  Ghent  on  Seventh-day,  about  half-past  two  o'clock, 
after  visiting  a  most  deplorable  prison,  where  we  found  a 
cell  with  the  floor  and  sides  formed  of  angular  pieces  of 
wood,  so  that  no  prisoner  could  stand,  lie  down,  or  lean 
against  the  wall,  without  suffering.  We  also  visited  a  luna- 
tic asylum,  so  beautifully  conducted,  that  I  more  took  the 
impression  of  how  happy  such  persons  may  be  made  than  1 
ever  did  before.  They  are  cared  for  by  the  "  Sisters  of  St. 
Vincent  de  Paul."  After  rather  a  slow  journey,  we  arrived 
here  to  dinner,  at  six  o'clock. 

Ghent,  Third  Month,  3rd. — Here  we  are  once  more — we 
have  visited  another  large  prison  for  the  military  ;  and  had 
a  very  interesting  Meeting  with  the  English  workmen,  their 
wives  and  children.  I  am  glad  to  say,  they  conclude  for  us 
to  send  them  schoolmasters.  We  had  flocks  after  us  last 
evening,  English  nnd  Belgians — I  suppose  about  seventy  ; 
they  appeared  to  be  touched  by  our  reading.  I  observe  how 
much  the  English  appear  impressed  on  these  occasions.  Our 
little  party  are  very  comfortable,  and  each  haa  plenty  to  do 


550  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1840. 

Antwerp,  Third   Month,  6th. 

Upon  our  return  to  Brussels  from  Ghent,  we  visited  the 
great  prison  of  Vilvorde.  We  gave  many  of  our  little 
Scripture  extracts  to  the  prisoners.  •  We  got  home  to  dinner, 
and  spent  the  evening  at  the  Baron  de  Bois',  where  we  met 
several  pleasant  persons.  A  considerable  number  of  Bel- 
gians, poor  and  rich,  came  to  an  evening  Meeting  at  our 
hotel.  The  next  day  was  one  of  no  common  interest.  After 
some  engagements  in  the  morning,  breakfasting  out,  &c.,  we 
visited  the  King.  Our  party  were  William  Allen,  my  bro- 
ther Samuel,  J.  Forster,  and  myself;  and  before  we  left, 
Lucy  Bradshaw  and  dear  Elizabeth  were  admitted  to  see 
him.  We  first  had  a  very  interesting  conversation  on  the 
state  of  the  prisons,  and  your  uncle  read  the  King  our 
address  to  him  upon  the  subject ;  when  the  part  was  read  ex- 
pressing our  desire  for  him,  the  Queen  and  his  family,  he 
appeared  to  feel  it  much.  We  had  open,  interesting  com- 
munication on  many  subjects.  We  remained  nearly  an  hour. 
The  Queen  was  unwell,  and  the  children  asleep,  therefore  I 
did  not  see  them.  We  gave  the  King  several  books  for  him- 
self and  the  Queen.  We  were  invited  by  Count  Arrivabene 
to  dine  with  one  of  the  first  Belgian  families.  I  felt  it  rather 
fearful,  when,  to  my  surprise  after  dinner,  I  was  seated  by 
the  Dean  of  Brussels,  surrounded  by  the  company,  and  told 
that  I  was  permitted  to  speak  openly  upon  my  religious  views. 
Indeed,  I  think  the  wish  was,  that  I  should  preach  to  them. 
This  was  curious,  because  I  was  warned  on  going  to  say 
nothing  about  religion.  Preach  I  did  not — as  I  do  not  feel 
that  at  my  command ;  but  I  spoke  very  seriously  about  the 
Scriptures  not  being  read  in  the  prisons,  and  endeavoured  to 
show,  in  few  words,  what  alone  can  produce  change  of  heart, 
life,  and  conduct,  and  the  danger  of  resting  in  forms.  We 
parted  in  much  good-will,  and  we  sent  the  Dean  and  the 
ladies  some  books.  In  the  evening  we  had  a  philanthropic 
party  at  our  hotel.  The  next  morning,  a  large,  very  solemn 
and  interesting  religious  Meeting  at  the  hotel.  We  left 


1840.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY. 

Brussels  in  much  peace  (rejoicing  would  not  be  too  strong  a 

word).     In  nearest  love. 

E.  F. 

Extract  from  a  letter  writen  by  her  niece,  Elizabeth 
Gurney : — 

"  Brussels,  Third  Month,  6th. — We  expect  to  end  our  very  in- 
teresting visit  in  this  place  to-day.  A  great  Meeting  is  now  assem- 
bling in  the  Table  d'Hote  salon,  fitted  up  by  our  landlord  for  the 
occasion.  This  is  to  be  our  farewell  Meeting.  We  have  had  a  very 
full  morning,  partly  employed  in  distributing  books.  The  servants 
at  the  palace  sent  an  entreaty  that  they  might  not  be  overlooked. 

"Yesterday  began  with  a  full  tide  of  business.  They  were  to 
see  the  King  at  twelve  o'clock.  He  is  a  particularly  pleasing-look- 
ing man,  rather  older  than  I  expected.  The  Duchess  of  Kent  ha- 
kindly  written  to  the  King,  to  say,  that  my  aunt  was  likely  to 
visit  Brussels. 

"  I  must  tell  you  about  our  dinner  at  M.  le  Comte  de 's,  the 

first  Roman  Catholic  family  here.  We  were  taken  there  by  our 
kind  friend  Count  Arrivabene.  The  party  consisted  of  fifteen 
persons,  only  two  speaking  English.  Amongst  them  was  the  Dean, 
the  head  of  the  Church  here,  under  the  Bishop  of  Malines.  Much 
that  was  interesting  passed.  The  Dean  and  our  aunt  seated  them- 
selves in  a  corror  of  the  room,  and  by  degrees  the  whole  party 
gathered  round ;  the  Count  and  Josiah  Forster  interpreting  by  turns. 
It  was  a  critical  thing  to  know  what  to  say,  as  the  conversation  be- 
came more  and  more  of  a  religious  nature.  She  began  on  the 
prisons — prevention  of  crime — how  much  the  upper  classes  arc  often 
the  cause,  by  example,  of  thp  sins  of  the  lower;  related  a  few  of 
her  prison  facts  as  proofs,  and  finally  ended  by  saying,  '  Will  the 
Dean  allow  me  to  speak  my  mind  candidly  ?'  His  permission  being 
given,  and  that  of  the  Count  and  Countess,  she  began  by  express- 
ing the  sincere  interest  that  she  felt  for  the  inhabitants  of  this  city, 
and  how  much  she  had  been  desiring  for  them,  '  that  as  a  people, 
they  might  each  place  less  confidence  in  men,  and  in  the  forms  of 
religion,  and  look  to  Christ  with  an  entire  and  simple  faith.'  The 
priest  said  nothing ;  but  turned  the  subject,  and  aaked  what  the 
views  of  the  Quakers  were;  upon  which  Josiah  Forster  gave  them 
a  short  account  in  French,  which  appeared  to  interest  them  all." 


552  LIFE   OF   ELIZABETH   FRY.  [1840. 

The  engagements  in  Rotterdam  were  numerous,  as  usual. 
But  although  many  circumstances  occurred  to  encourage  her, 
Elizabeth  Fry  often  went  heavily  on  her  way,  feeling  deli- 
cate in  health,  and  oppressed  in  spirit.  A  letter  from  Dr. 
Bosworth,  with  whom  she  had  become  acquainted  at  Rot- 
terdam, was  very  consoling  to  her.  In  it  he  says  : — 

"  Before  I  answer  your  questions,  let  ine  discharge  a  debt  of 
gratitude,  which  I  and  my  wife  owe  to  you  and  your  friends,  for 
your  benevolent  exertions  in  Rotterdam.  You  have  excited  amongst 
us,  and  have  left,  I  trust,  an  abiding  Christian  affection.  We 
feel  we  are  brethren,  united  in  the  same  good  cause  of  our 
adorable  Saviour,  that  of  promoting  '  peace  on  earth,  and  good- 
will to  men.'  How  'soon  will  the  wood,  hay  and  stubble  of  party  be 
burnt  up,  and  what  is  built  on  the  Rock  of  Ages  remain,  &c.,  &o. 
We  are  here  in  a  parched  wilderness,  but  your  visit  has  brought 
a  refreshing  dew,  and  may  it  abide  with  us." 

After  spending  some  days  at  Amsterdam  and  Zwolle, 
where  Elizabeth  Fry  had  important  service,  holding  Meet- 
ings, &c.,  the  travellers  went  to  Minden,  to  -visit  a  small  body 
of  Friends  resident  there,  as  well  as  the  larger  congregation 
at  Pyrmont. 

Elizabeth  Fry  again  writes  to  her  family  at  home: — 

Minden,  Third  Month,  28th.— We  left  Zwolle  on  Second- 
day,  the  23rd,  and  slept  at  a  true  German  inn — neither  car- 
pet nor  curtain.  Our  night  was  disturbed,  still  we  did  well. 
The  next  day  we  set  off  in  good  time,  and  travelled  until 
twelve  o'clock ;  we  did  not  settle  till  two  in  the  morning.  I 
think  I  have  not  yet  recovered  the  fatigue,  not  having  slept 
well  one  night  since.  We  have  been  interested  by  the 
Friends,  who  are  much  like  those  of  Congenies,  but  more 
entirely  Friends;  we  have  visited  them  in  almost  all  their 
families,  and  had  two  Meetings  with  them.  We  have  been 
brought  into  much  sympathy  with  them,  for  they  are  a  tried, 
and  I  believe  a  Christian  people.  We  have  this  evening  had 
three  pastors  with  us,  two  of  them  I  think  spiritual  men. 


1840.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  553 

Our  Meeting  was  largely  attended  this  afternoon,  and  T  can 
assure  you  my  heart  almost  failed  me,  being  interpreted  for 
in  German  is  so  difficult,  but  we  have  in  Auguste  Mund- 
henck,  a  well  educated  young  Friend,  a  capital  interpreter. 
The  Meeting  ended  well.  In  my  wakeful  nights  I  feel  soli- 
tary, and  have  you  very  present  with  me ;  but  I  humbly  trust 
He  that  sleepeth  not  is  watching  over  you  with  tender  care. 

Pyrmontj  29th. — In  our  way  here  we  visited,  at  Hameln,  a 
large  prison,  under  the  King  of  Hanover,  almost  all  the  poor 
prisoners,  upwards  of  four  hundred  in  number,  heavily 
chained.  I  told  them  a  little  of  my  deep  interest  for  their 
present  and  everlasting  welfare  ;  they  appeared  to  feel  it  very 
much  ;  one  poor  man,  a  tall  fine  figure,  with  heavy  chains 
on  both  legs,  sat  weeping  like  a  child.  I  am  just  come  in 
from  visiting  the  families  of  Friends  ;  they  are  really  a  very 
valuable  set.  I  longed  to  take  a  picture  for  you  of  an  old 
Friend  with  a  plain  scull-cap,  either  quilted  or  knitted,  a 
purple  handkerchief,  a  striped  apron,  and  the  whole  appear- 
ance truly  curious ;  but  she  was  a  sweet  old  woman,  full  of 
love.  I  am  really  amused,  the  old  and  young  are  as  fond  of 
me  as  if  I  could  fully  speak  to  them  ;  the  little  ones  sitting 
on  my  lap  as  if  I  were  their  mother,  and  leaning  their  little 
heads  upon  me.  A  little  child  about  four  or  five  said,  what 
happy  days  they  should  have  when  we  went  to  see  their 
We  expect  a  large  party  this  evening. 

30<A. — We  had  our  party,  and  understand  there  were  pre- 
sent some  of  the  first  persons  in  the  town,  besides  the  master 
of  the  hotel,  his  wife,  the  doctor,  the  postmaster,  the  book- 
binder, the  shoemaker,  &c.,  &c.,  &c.  !  We  discussed  the  state 
of  their  poor,  their  not  visiting  them,  or  attending  to  them  ; 
for  it  appears  that  visiting  the  poor  is  not  thought  of  here. 
I  hope  and  expect  our  coming  will  be  useful  in  this  respect. 

Hameln — ended  Hanover,  Fourth  Month,  2nd. 

Whilst  stopping  at  a  small  inn,  I  mean  to  finish  my  account 
of  our  visit  to  Pyrmont.    After  I  wrote,  we  went  shaking  on 
70 


554  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1840. 

such  bad  roads  from  house  to  house  to  see  the  Friends,  that 
I  almost  feared  we  must  break  down.  We  twice  dined  with 
them,  in  their  beautiful  spot  at  Friedensthal,  (or  the  valley 
of  peace,)  surrounded  with  hills,  and  a  river  flowing  through 
it.  Roebucks  wild  from  the  woods  abounding.  We  were 
very  pleasantly  received.  Our  visits  were  very  satisfactory 
to  these  very  valuable  and  agreeable  people.  Tears  and 
kisses  abounded  at  our  departure.  I  must  tell  you  of  an 
interesting  event : — I  went  to  buy  something  for  little  John 
at  a  shop,  where  a  very  agreeable  lady  spoke  to  me  in  Eng- 
lish, and  I  was  so  much  attracted  by  her,  that  I  requested 
her  to  accept  a  book,  and  sent  a  work  on  the  rites  and  cere- 
monies of  the  Jews.  I  asked  her  to  attend  our  Meeting  on 
Second-day  morning.  She  proved  to  be  a  Jewish  lady  of 
some  importance ;  she  came  to  Meeting  with  several  other 
Jews,  and  truly  I  believe  her  heart  was  touched.  I  invited 
her  to  come  and  see  us  the  next  evening,  when  we  expected 
several  persons  to  join  our  party.  The  following  day  we 
agreed  to  form  a  District  Society,  to  attend  to  the  deplorable 
state  of  the  poor.  The  Jewish  lady  capitally  helped  us,  she 
then  appeared  in  a  feeling  state  ;  but  this  morning  when  the 
ladies  met  to  finish  our  arrangements,  and  I  felt  it  my  place 
to  give  them  a  little  advice,  and  my  blessing  in  the  name  of 
the  Lord,  the  tears  poured  down  her  face.  I  then  felt  it  my 
absolute  duty  to  take  her  into  my  room  to  give  her  such 
books  as  I  thought  right,  and  to  tell  her  how  earnest  my 
desires  were  that  she  should  come  to  the  knowledge  of  our 
Saviour.  I  think  in  our  whole  journey  no  person  has  ap- 
peared to  be  so  affected,  or  so  deeply  impressed  ;  may  it  be 
lasting,  and  may  she  become  a  Christian  indeed ! 

Hildesheim,  Fourth  Month,  6th. 

We  left  Hanover  to-day  about  five  o'clock,  after  rather  a 
singular  visit.  We  arrived  there  on  Fifth-day  evening.  On 
Sixth  and  Seventh  day  our  way  did  not  open  quite  so  brightly 
is  sometimes.  We  saw  a  deplorable  prison ;  poor  untried 


1840.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  555 

prisoners  chained  to  the  ground  until  they  would  confess 
their  crimes,  whether  they  had  committed  them  or  not,  and 
some  other  sad  evils.  Several  interesting  persons  came 
to  see  us.  Seventh-day  evening  we  spent  at  a  gentleman's 
house,  where  we  met  some  Very  clever  and  superior  persons, 
and  had  much  important  communication  upon  their  prisons, 
&c.,  &c.  On  First-day  we  had  our  little  Meetings ;  such  a 
tide  on  a  Sabbath  I  think  I  hardly  ever  had ;  it  was  like 
being  driven  down  a  mighty  stream ;  we  had  allowed  persons 
to  come  to  us,  supposing  it  would  be  the  last  day  there.  I 
made  some  calls  of  Christian  love.  The  principal  magistrate 
came  for  an  hour  about  the  prisons,  and  very  many  other 
persons.  In  the  evening  we  had  also  a  party  of  a  select  nature 
to  our  Scripture-reading,  and,  after  a  very  solemn  time,  we 
represented  many  things  wanted  in  Hanover.  I  forgot  to 
tell  you,  amongst  other  visitors,  the  Queen's  Chamberlain 
came  to  say  that  the  Queen  wished  to  see  our  whole  party  on 
Second-day  at  one  o'clock.  We  had  proposed  going  that 
morning  early,  but  put  it  off  on  this  account.  I  think  I 
never  paid  a  more  interesting  visit  to  royalty — my  brother 
Samuel,  William  Allen,  and  myself.  In  the  first  place  we 
were  received  with  ceremonious  respect,  shown  through 
many  rooms  to  a  drawing-room,  where  were  the  Queen's 
Chamberlain  and  three  ladies-in-waiting  to  receive  us.  .  . 
After  some  little  time  we  were  sent  for  by  the  Queen ;  tho 
King  was  too  ill  to  see  us.  She  is  a  stately  woman,  tall, 
large,  and  rather  a  fine  countenance.  We  very  soon  began 
to  speak  of  her  afflictions,  and  I  gave  a  little  encouragement 
and  exhortation.  She  was  much  affected  and  after  a  little 
while  requested  us  [to  sit  down.  We  had  very  interesting 
and  important  subjects  brought  forward :  the  difficulties  and 
temptations  to  which  rank  is  subject — the  importance  of  their 
influence — the  objects  incumbent  upon  them  to  attend  to  and 
help  in,  Bible  Societies,  Prisons,  &c.  We  then  read  our  ad- 
dress to  the  Queen,  wishing  her  to  patronize  ladies  visiting  the 
prisons  ;  it  contained  serious  advice,  and  our  desires  for  her, 


55G  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1840. 

the  King,  and  the  Prince ;  then  I  gave  the  Queen  several 
books,  which  she  accepted  in  the  kindest  manner.     .     .     . 

At  Berlin,  the  travellers  found  a  cordial  welcome  from  all 
ranks  of  persons,  including  the  members  of  the  reigning 
family.  A  wide  field  of  usefulness  appeared  open  before 
them,  and  in  the  Princess  William,  sister  to  the  late  King, 
Elizabeth  Fry  found  a  zealous  co-operator  in  her  labours  on 
behalf  of  the  prisons.  This  eminent  and  truly  Christian 
lady  had  been  as  a  mother  to  the  younger  children  of  the 
Royal  Family,  after  the  death  of  Queen  Louisa,  and  in  her 
exalted  station,  she  was  an  example  of  every  good  word  and 
work. 

From  a  letter  written  by  Elizabeth  Fry's  niece — 

Hotel  de  Russie,  Berlin 

"Our  dear  aunt's  first  evening  for  philanthropic  purposes  took 
place  on  the  13th.  There  is  a  splendid  room  in  the  Hotel,  capable 
of  containing  two  hundred  persons,  where  we  have  our  reunions." 

At  one  end  of  this  large  room  was  a  platform,  on  which 
were  seated  Elizabeth  Fry  and  her  companions,  with  their 
valued  friend,  Professor  Tholuck,  as  interpreter.  E.  F.'a 
niece  adds, — 

tf  It  would  be  impossible  to  describe  the  intense  interest  and 
eagerness  which  prevailed  when  our  aunt  rose. 

"  The  attention  of  the  whole  assembly  seemed  completely  riveted 
by  her  address.  William  Allen  had  previously  told  them  the  object 
of  their  mission,  and  a  little  of  what  they  had  been  doing  since  our 
arrival  in  Berlin. 

"  The  PrincessWilliam  has  been  very  desirous  to  give  her  sanction, 
as  far  as  possible,  to  the  Ladies'  Committee  for  visiting  the  prisons 
that  my  aunt  has  been  forming ;  and  to  show  her  full  approbation , had 
invited  the  Committee  to  meet  her  at  her  palace.  The  Princess  had 
also  asked  some  of  her  friends ;  so  we  must  have  been  about  forty. 
Such  a  party  of  ladies,  and  only  our  friend  Count  Groben  to 
interpret.  The  Princess  received  us  most  kindly.  The  Crown 
Princess  arrived.  The  Princess  Charles  was  also  there;  and  the 


1840.]  LIFE   OF  ELIZABETH   FRY.  557 

Crown  Prince  himself  soon  afterwards  entered.  Our  aunt  sat  in  the 
middle  of  the  sofa,  the  Grown  Prince  and  Princess,  and  the  Princess 
Charles  on  her  right.  The  Princess  William,  Princess  Marie,  and 
the  Princess  Czartoryski  on  the  left.  Count  Groben  sitting  near  her 
to  interpret,  the  Countesses  Bohlen  and  Dernath  by  her,  I  was  sit- 
ting by  the  Countess  Schlieffen,  a  delightful  person,  who  is  much 
interested  in  all  our  proceedings.  A  table  was  placed  before  our 
aunt  with  pens,  ink,  and  paper,  like  other  Committees,  with  the 
various  rules  that  she  and  I  had  drawn  up,  and  the  Countess  Bohlen 
had  translated  into  German,  and  which  she  read  to  the  assembly ; 
our  aunt  then  gave  a  clever,  concise  account  of  the  Societies  in 
England.  When  business  was  over,  my  aunt  mentioned  some 
texts,  which  she  asked  leave  to  read.  A  German  Bible  was  handed 
to  Count  Groben,  the  text  in  Isaiah  having  been  pointed  out,  that 
our  aunt  had  wished  for, '  Is  not  this  the  fast  that  I  have  chosen,' 
&c.  The  Count  read  it,  after  which  our  aunt  said,  '  Will  the  Prince 
and  Princesses  allow  a  short  time  for  prayer?'  they  all  bowed  assent, 
and  stood,  while  she  knelt  down,  and  offered  one  of  her  touching, 
heartfelt  prayers  for  them — that  a  blessing  might  rest  on  the  whole 
place,  from  the  King  on  his  throne  to  the  poor  prisoner  in  the  dun- 
geon, and  she  prayed  especially  for  the  Royal  Family.  Then  for 
the  ladies,  that  the  works  of  their  hands  might  be  prospered  in  what 
they  had  undertaken  to  perform.  Many  of  the  ladies  now  withdrew, 
and  we  were  soon  left  with  the  Royal  Tamily.  They  all  invited  us 
to  see  them  again,  before  we  left  Berlin,  and  took  leave  of  us  in  the 
kindest  manner." 

Amongst  other  moat  onerous  concerns,  Elizabeth  Fry  and 
William  Allen  felt  it  their  duty  to  inquire  into  the  actual 
state  of  the  Lutheran  Church,  in  the  Prussian  dominions, 
and  whether  it  was  still  exposed  to  persecution.  They  found, 
that  although  its  members  were  more  leniently  dealt  with 
than  they  had  been,  great  oppression  still  existed  ;  confisca- 
tion of  property  and  imprisonment  being  not  unfrequently 
resorted  to,  to  compel  submission.  Elizabeth  Fry  could  not 
feel  justified  without  endeavouring  to  bring  the  subject  be- 
fore the  King.  She  had  a  strong  inclination  to  consult  the 
Crorn  Prince,  when  the  unexpi  <•:<.•<]  meeting  at  the  Princess 


558  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1840. 

William's  afforded  her  the  desired  opportunity.  After 
earnestly  petitioning  for  best  Help,  and  wisdom  from  above, 
she  opened  the  subject.  The  Prince  gave  her  'a  most  atten- 
tive hearing,  and  entirely  encouraged  her  to  act  as  she 
believed  to  be  right.  An  address  was  beautifully  drawn  up 
by  William  Allen,  this  was  translated  into  German,  and  pre- 
sented through  the  official  channel  to  the  King.  On  the 
following  day  the  King's  Chaplain  was  the  bearer  of  the 
delightful  intelligence  that  the  address  had  been  graciously 
received,  and  that  the  King  had  said  that  "  He  thought  the 
Spirit  of  God  must  have  helped  them  to  express  themselves 
as  they  had  done." 

Elizabeth  Fry  writes  from — 

Frankfort,  Fifth  Month,  &th. — I  felt  very  unwell  yester- 
day, and  low  in  spirits.  My  dearest  brother  and  sweet  niece 
were  most  kind  to  me ;  all  that  I  required  I  had :  so,  "  the 
Lord  doth  provide."  I  almost  dreaded  my  night ;  but 
through  tender  mercy  the  Comforter  was  near  to  comfort  and 
help  my  great  infirmity,  so  that  I  rested  in  my  Lord,  and  feel 
revived  in  body  and  soul  this  morning.  This  text  has  been 
present  with  me,  "I  am  the  Lord  that  healeth  thee." — 
Exodus  xv.  26.  Such  fears  presented  themselves.  How 
could  I  get  home  ?  How  could  I  bear  the  sea  ?  should  I 
not  be  much  burdened,  not  having  finished  what  I  thought 
I  ought  to  do  ?  and  so  on  ;  but  now  my  most  gracious  and 
holy  Helper  delivers  me  from  my  fears.  Thanks  to  His 
most  blessed  and  holy  Name. 

From  Dusseldorf  the  travellers  visited  the  establishment 
of  Kaiserswerth  under  the  care  of  Pastor  Fliedner  for  train- 
ing Deaconesses,  to  tend  and  nurse  the  sick,  and  to  aid 
their  spiritual  necessities,  whilst  providing  for  their  temporal 
wants.  At  that  time  this  admirable  institution  had  existed 
only  four  years,  but  its  utility  was  generally  acknowledged, 
and  information  upon  the  subject  earnestly  desired.  Pastor 
Fliedner,  in  furnishing  his  recollections  of  the  visit,  says : — 


1840.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  559 

ft  The  8th  of  May,  1840,  was  a  great  holiday  to  us;  Elizabeth 
Fry  of  London  visited  our  institution.  Of  all  my  contemporaries 
none  has  exercised  a  like  influence  on  my  heart  and  life :  truly  her 
friendship  was  one  of  the  'all  things/  which  God,  in  sovereign 
mercy,  has  worked  for  my  good.  In  January,  1824, 1  had  had  the 
privilege  of  witnessing  the  effects  of  Mrs.  Fry's  wonder-working 
visits  among  the  miserable  prisoners  of  Newgate.  On  my  return 
to  my  father-land,  my  object  was  to  found  a  society  entitled  the 
'  Rhenish  Westphalian  Prison  Association/  having  ramifications  in 
all  the  provinces  of  Germany.  In  this  I  was  greatly  assisted  by  the 
advice  and  experience  afforded  me  by  this  eminent  servant  of  God. 
During  my  second  stay  in  England,  in  1834, 1  had  the  happiness,  in 
common  with  Dr.  Steinkopff,  of  spending  a  day  with  Mrs.  Fry,  at 
her  own  home,  and  also  of  accompanying  her  in  one  of  her  visits  of 
mercy  to  Newgate.  By  this  means,  I  was  enabled  to  see  and  admire 
her,  in  her  domestic,  as  well  as  public  character.  Thus  may  my 
happiness  be  estimated,  when  in  1840,  Mrs.  Fry,  accompanied  by 
her  brother,  her  young  niece,  William  Allen  and  Lucy  Bradshaw, 
came  in  person  to  see  and  rejoice  over  the  growing  establishment  of 
Kaiserswerth.  She  saw  the  whole  house,  going  into  every  room,  and 
minutely  examining  each  detail,  and  then  delivered  to  the  inmates.a 
deeply  interesting  discourse.  Many  were  the  tears  shed,  and  I  have 

a  bright  hope,  not  in  vain Truly  God  was  in  the 

midst  of  us,  and  the  remembrance  of  that  spirit  of  active,  self- 
denying  love,  is  one  of  the  sweetest  consolations  which  I  possess, 
amid  the  trials  and  difficulties  which  every  such  institution  must 
afford.  "  THOMAS  FLIEDNER. 

"May  26,  1848." 

The  following  b  Elizabeth  Fry's  touching  and  instructive 
record  of  their  engagements  at  this  time  : — 

Dtisseldorf,  Fifth  Month,  10th. — Here  we  are,  and  thanks 
to  my  Heavenly  Father  I  am  much  revived  :  my  cough  bet- 
ter; unfavourable  symptoms  subsided;  sufficient  strength 
given  me  for  the  various  duties  as  they  arise.  I  feel  my 
prospect  weighty  ;  first,  going  to  the  prison  to  visit  some  pri- 
soners whom  I  dH  not  see  yesterday.  And  then,  we  expect 
a  largo  evening  party  to  read  the  Scriptures  and  for  worship, 


560  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1840. 

and  this  among3t  strangers  who  know  little  or  nothing  of  us, 
or  our  ways,  and  our  interpreter  not  accustomed  to  us ;  but 
our  holy  Helper  can,  through  His  own  unmerited  mercy  and 
Almighty  power,  really  so  help  us  as  to  touch  the  hearts  of 
those  who  come  to  us,  to  their  true  edification.  0  gracious 
Lord !  be  with  us,  help  us  and  bless  us.  Thy  servants  have 
come  in  much  fear,  much  weakness,  and  under  a  belief  that 
it  is  Thy  call,  that  has  brought  them  here.  Now,  be  Thyself 
present  with  us,  in  this  our  last  occasion  of  the  kind,  to  our 
help,  consolation,  and  edification !  I  can  only  cast  myself  on 
Thy  love,  mercy,  and  pity  ! 

In  the  afternoon  I  visited  the  prison,  accompanied  by  my 
dear  brother,  William  Allen,  and  Lucy  Bradshaw.  We  first 
collected  a  large  number  of  men  in  a  yard,  and  I  was,  in  my 
low  state  of  body,  strengthened  to  speak  to  them  in  the  open 
air.  Unexpectedly,  a  valuable  man,  the  Pastor  Fliedner,  met 
us,  who  interpreted  beautifully  for  me.  We  then  visited 
several  wards,  and  the  prisoners  appeared  to  feel  a  great  deal. 
May  its  effect  long  remain.  I  also  visited  a  very  valuable 
lady,  a  Roman  Catholic,  who  has  visited  the  prison  many 
years.  We  partook  of  Christian  love,  and,  I  believe,  of 
Christian  unity.  In  the  evening  we  had  a  very  large  party 
to  our  reading  and  worship  ;  I  should  think  nearly  a  hundred 
persons.  My  Lord  and  Master  only  knows  what  such  occa- 
sions are  to  me,  weak  in  body,  rather  low  in  spirits — amongst 
perfect  strangers  to  us — not  able  to  speak  to  them  in  their 
own  language.  To  whom  could  I  go?  I  could  say,  "With 
God  all  things  are  possible;"  and  so  I  found  it.  My  brother 
Samuel  read  the  7th  chapter  of  Matthew.  One  of  the  pas- 
tors read  it  in  German.  I  soon  spoke,  and  unexpectedly  had 
to  enlarge  much  on  the  present  and  past  state  of  Germany : 
how  it  was  that  more  fruit  had  not  been  produced,  consider- 
ing the  remarkable  seed  sown  in  years  past;  the  query,  what 
hindered  its  growth  ?  I  expressed  my  belief — first,  that  it 
arose  from  a  lukewarm  and  indifferent  spirit ;  secondly,  from 
infidel  principles  creeping  in  under  a  specious  form ;  thirdly, 


1840.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  561 

from  too  much  superstition  yet  remaining;  fourthly,  and 
above  all,  from  the  love  of  the  world,  and  the  things  of  it, 
beyond  the  love  of  Christ.  After  showing  the  evil  and  its 
results — the  seed  obstructed,  as  in  the  parable  of  the  Sower, 
bringing  no  fruit  to  perfection ;  I  endeavoured  to  point  to 
the  remedy — to  look  at  home,  and  not  to  judge  one  another ; 
to  ask  for  help,  protection,  and  direction  to  walk  in  the  nar- 
row way :  to  be  doers  and  not  hearers  of  the  word ;  and  to 
devote  ourselves  to  His  service,  who  had  done  so  much  for  us. 
William  Allen  followed  with  a  satisfactory  sermon.  I  then 
prayed  very  earnestly  for  them,  and  afterwards  exhorted  on 
reading  the  Scriptures,  family  worship,  keeping  the  Sabbath, 
&c.,  and  ended  with  a  blessing — the  attention  was  excessive ; 
the  interpretation  excellent,  by  my  dear  friend,  the  Pastor 
FJiedner  ;  hearts  much  melted,  and  great  unity  expressed  by 
numbers.  It  was  a  very  solemn  seal,  set  to  our  labours  in 
this  land,  and  one  not  to  be  forgotten.  So  our  Lord  helped 
us,  and  regarded  me,  His  poor  servant,  in  my  low  estate ; 
afterwards,  peace  was,  in  no  common  degree,  my  portion. 
Blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord.  All  my  dear  companions, 
William  Allen,  my  brother,  and  the  younger  of  the  party, 
Lucy  Bradshaw  and  my  dear  niece,  appeared  happy  and 
cheerful.  I  returned  thanks  on  sitting  down  to  a  refreshing 
meal,  after  the  labours  of  the  day :  and  I  think  I  may  say 
we  ate  our  "meat  with  gladness  and  singleness  of  heart." 

This  very  important  journey  was  now  nearly  concluded — • 
many  religious  Meetings  had  been  held,  which  have  not 
been  particularly  alluded  to  in  this  brief  sketch — at  Amster- 
dam, Brussels,  the  Hague,  Zwolle,  Hanover,  Berlin,  &c. 
The  travellers  had  been  much  united  in  feeling  one  with 
another.  William  Allen's  journal  records,  from  place  to 
place,  the  preciousness  of  Elizabeth  Fry's  gospel  labours — 
the  power  and  sweetness  that  attended  them,  and  the 
reaching  effect  produced. 

On  arriving  in  England,  she  writes  : — 

We  had  a  pleasant  journey  through  Liege  to  Antwerp, 
71 


562  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1840. 

where  we  were  cordially  received  by  some  of  our  dear  friends 
in  that  place,  who  appeared  to  have  been  deeply  impressed 
by  our  last  visit.  We  had  a  solemn  time  after  our  reading 
in  the  morning,  at  Ostend,  the  last  reading  we  had  of  this 
kind,  in  which  I  very  earnestly  and  fervently  prayed  for  my 
most  tenderly -beloved  brother,  that  the  sacrifice  he  had  thus 
made  in  his  Lord's  service,  and  all  he  had  so  liberally  done  for 
us,  as  His  servants,  might  bring  blessing  to  his  own  .soul,  and 
a  large  portion  of  the  unsearchable  riches  of  Christ.  I  prayed 
for  his  dear  daughter,  that  the  experience  of  this  journey 
might  be  greatly  blessed  to  her  soul.  I  prayed  for  William 
Allen,  that  now,  in  his  latter  days,  he  might  more  and  more 
be  filled  with,  and  spread  the  glorious  truths  of  the  Gospel, 
in  their  fulness,  freeness,  and  universality.  I  prayed  for 
Lucy  Bradshaw  also,  and  for  the  servants,  that  the  journey 
might  be  blessed  to  them ;  and  lastly,  for  my  poor  unworthy 
self,  that  I  might  be  kept  by  the  Lord,  humble,  faithful, 
trustful,  and  more  devoted  to  Him  and  His  service.  It  was 
as  a  spiritual  farewell,  and  break  up  of  this  most  interesting 
expedition.  Our  voyage  was  calm  and  beautiful.  I  return 
in  a  delicate  state  of  health,  and  very  weak  in  spirits,  but 
deeply  feeling  my  Lord's  mercies  towards  me. 

In  reference  to  this  parting  and  solemn  hour,  William 
Allen  writes :  "  It  was  a  most  sweet  and  precious  oppor- 
tunity." "Dear  E.  J.  F.  prayed  sweetly,"  and  "gave 
utterance  to  a  solemn  feeling  of  thanksgiving." 

In  the  course  of  this  journey,  Elizabeth  Fry  had  experi- 
enced less  difficulty  than  she  anticipated  from  her  entire 
ignorance  of  the  German  language,  partly  from  the  assist- 
ance of  her  companions,  but  even  more  from  the  efficient 
interpretation  of  like-minded  persons,  who  arose  for  her 
help,  as  she  passed  on  from  place  to  place.  She  had  also 
been  furnished  with  a  document,  very  useful  to  her,  by  the 
Chevalier  Bunsen,  at  that  time  Prussian  Minister  at  Berne. 
This  truly  excellent  Christian  gentleman  proved  to  her  a  very 


1840.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FEY.  563 

valuable  and  important  helper  in  her  arduous  mission.  But 
her  dependence  was  not  on  man.  She  trusted  in  her  God — 
she  was  preserved  by  her  deep  humility — she  was  strength- 
ened by  the  spirit  of  constant  and  fervent  prayer. 

On  their  return  from  this  Continental  tour,  both  William 
Allen  and  Elizabeth  Fry  appeared  considerably  enfeebled  in 
health,  and  the  anxiety  of  their  friends  was  consequently  ex- 
cited. They  reached  home  two  days  previous  to  the  Yearly 
Meeting. 

Upton,  19<A. — I  attended  the  first  sitting  of  the  Select 
Yearly  Meeting  yesterday.  My  lot  was  to  sit  in  silence.  I 
saw  many  much  loved  by  me.  May  my  most  gracious  Lord 
kelp  me  by  His  own  Spirit  at  this  Yearly  Meeting,  fully, 
simply,  and  clearly  to  lay  what  I  think  and  feel  before  this 
people  ;  that  which  is  right  for  the  aged  and  more  experi- 
enced, before  them,  and  that  which  is  for  the  youth,  before 
them.  Gracious  Lord,  help  me  to  do  it  in  faithfulness,  in 
love,  in  truth,  in  deep  humility  and  godly  sincerity.  Amen. 
We  have  had  altogether  a  favorable  reply  to  our  letter  from 
the  King  of  Prussia ;  he  justifies  the  measures  pursued 
towards  the  Lutherans,  but  I  believe  our  address  will  not  be 
in  vain.  We  have  had  satisfactory  reports,  of  the  Govern- 
ment already  acting  on  our  suggestions  respecting  the  prisons 
in  Prussia.  The  prisoners  are  to  have  more  religious  instruc- 
tion, and  more  inspection.  I  have  also  had  a  very  interest- 
ing letter  from  the  Queen  of  Denmark,  expressing  real  regret 
at  our  not  going  there,  and  not  only  great  desire  to  see  me 
there,  but  much  unity  with  my  views  on  many  subjects. 

She  believed  it  her  duty  to  unite  with  William  Allen  in 
having  a  Meeting  with  the  youth  of  our  religious  Society, 
then  in  attendance  at  the  Yearly  Meeting. 

2&A. — Before  breakfast — I  am  in  a  strait.  0,  my  gracious 
Lord  !  be  Thou  my  Helper,  my  Guide,  my  Counsellor,  and 
my  Defence :  keep  me,  I  pray  Thee,  from  the  most  weighty 
service  before  me,  unless  it  be  really  and  kuJy  Thy  call,  and 


564  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1840. 

if  it  be  Thy  call,  fit  me  for  it,  by  Thine  own  Spirit,  and 
Thine  own  power ;  and  touch  my  lips,  as  with  a  live  coal 
from  Thine  altar ;  and  may  I  be  qualified  to  speak  the  word 
in  season  to  those  who  need  it.  Anoint  Thou  the  tongue 
to  speak,  and  the  ear  to  hear.  Grant  this  prayer  for  Thine 
own  sake. 

Fifth-day  morning,  2Sth. — The  Yearly  Meeting  has  cor- 
dially united  in  William  Allen  and  myself  having  a  Meeting 
for  the  young  people.  It  is  appointed  for  this  evening,  which 
I  much  regret,  as  my  children  cannot  attend  it,  but  I  must 
commit  all  to  my  Lord. 

Time  did  not  admit  of  her  absent  children  being  informed 
of  this  Meeting.  It  proved  a  very  solemn  and  favoured 
one — truly  an  answer  to  her  humble,  but  fervent  petitions. 

Eighth  Month,  6th. — There  has  been  some  fear  of  a  war 
with  France,  which  has  been  really  sorrowful  to  me  ;  I  could 
have  wept  at  the  thoughts ;  so  dear  are  the  people  of  that 
country  to  my  heart,  and  so  awful  is  it  to  think  of  the  horrors 
of  war,  whichever  way  we  look  at  the  subject,  religiously, 
morally,  or  physically.  The  longer  I  live,  and  the  greater 
my  experience  of  life,  the  more  decided  are  my  objections 
to  war,  as  wholly  inconsistent  with  the  Christian  calling. 
0,  may  the  Almighty  grant,  that  through  His  Omnipotence, 
and  unutterable  love  and  mercy  in  Christ  our  Saviour,  the 
day  may  not  be  very  far  distant,  when  the  people  shall 
learn  war  no  more, — when  peace  and  righteousness  shall 
reign  in  the  earth. 

Earlham,  Eighth  Month,  21st. — My  dearest  brother  Joseph 
is  safely  returned  home,  after  his  absence  of  three  years,  on 
his  religious  yisit  to  America,  and  the  West  India  Islands. 
I  think  I  never  saw  any  person  in  so  perfectly  peaceful  a 
state :  he  says,  unalloyed  peace,  like  a  sky  without  a  cloud, 
and  above  all,  enabled  thankfully  to  enjoy  his  many  blessings. 
Twelfth  Month,  21st. — I  deeply  feel  coming  to  the  close 
of  this  year,  rather  unusually  so,  it  finds  me  in  a  low  estate, 
and  from  circumstances,  my  spirit  is  rather  overwhelmed, 


1841.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  565 

although  I  am  sensible  that  blessings  abound  through  unme- 
rited mercy.  I  think  the  prison  cause  at  home  and  abroad 
much  prospering,  many  happy  results  from  our  foreign  ex- 
pedition, and  much  doing  at  home.  Among  other  things, 
the  establishment  of  a  Patronage  Society  for  prisoners,  by 
which  many  poor  wanderers  appear  to  be  helped  and  pro- 
tected, and  a  Society  for  Sisters  of  Charity  to  visit  and  attend 
the  sick. 

Elizabeth  Fry's  habitual  acquaintance  with  the  chamber 
of  sickness,  and  with  scenes  of  suffering  and  death  had  taught 
her  the  necessity  that  exists  for  a  class  of  women  to  attend 
upon  such,  altogether  different  from,  and  superior  to,  the 
hireling  nurses  that  are  generally  to  be  obtained.  Her 
communications  with  Pastor  Fliedner,  and  all  she  learned 
from  him  personally,  and  by  letter,  of  his  establishment  at 
Kaiserswerth,  and  above  all  her  own  visit  to  that  remarkable 
institution,  stimulated  her  desire  to  attempt  something  of  the 
kind  in  England.  Her  own  occupations  being  too  urgent 
and  numerous  to  allow  of  much  personal  attention,  the  plan 
was  undertaken,  and  on  a  small  scale  carried  into  effect,  by 
her  sister,  Elizabeth  Gurney,  with  the  assistance  of  her 
daughters,  &c.  The  Queen  Dowager  kindly  became  Pa- 
troness, and  with  Lady  Inglis  as  President,  and  an  effective 
committee  to  conduct  the  management  of  the  institution,  it 
has  steadily  advanced  and  prospered. 

Some  misconception  having  arisen  as  to  the  nature  of  the 
plan,  it  was  found  desirable  to  change  the  designation  of 
these  "  Protestant  Sisters  of  Charity,"  and  to  appropriate  to 
them  the  appellation  of  "  Nursing  Sisters."  Their  aid  in 
sickness  has  been  sought  and  greatly  valued  by  persons  of  all 
classes,  from  Royalty  to  the  most  destitute. 

One  of  Elizabeth  Fry's  sons  was,  during  the  spring  of 
1841,  very  seriously  ill.  As  he  recovered,  her  youngest 
daughter  was  becoming  much  indisposed. 

During  the  Yearly  Meeting,  Elizabeth  Fry  writes : — 


566  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FEY.  [1841. 

Upton,  Fifth  Month,  23rd,  First-day.— The  last  week  has 
been  a  serious  one,  attendance  of  the  Yearly  Meeting  diffi- 
cult, from  Louisa's  illness  and  other  causes. 

25th. — Yesterday,  I  accompanied  Hannah  Backhouse  into 
the  Men's  Meeting.  When  she  had  spoken,  I  rose,  saying, 
that  I  feared  to  make  any  addition,  but  that  I  had  a  few 
hints  to  offer.  After  expressing  my  earnest  desire  that  they 
might  all  be  washed  and  sanctified,  and  justified  in  the  name 
of  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  by  the  Spirit  of  our  God,  I  began  with 
my  hints.  I  said  my  views  of  the  state  of  the  Society  were  not 
so  discouraging  as  those  of  many  others.  I  remembered,  that 
our  first  Friends  were  gathered  out  of  various  religious  de- 
nominations, and  from  the  most  spiritual  of  these,  therefore, 
they  were  a  spiritual  and  seeking  people ;  but  in  our  day,  most 
were  Friends  from  birth  and  education,  and  not  conviction, 
though  I  believed  there  were  really  spiritual  ones  amongst  us ; 
but  I  saw  much  wanting,  arising,  partly  from  these  causes,  first, 
the  tendency  to  be  a  formal  people,  resting  in  a  high  spiritual 
profession,  like  the  foolish  virgins,  with  lamps,  but  no  oil  in 
them  ;  this  did  much  harm.  Then  I  feared,  being  so  much  a 
commercial  people,  that  there  were  too  many  who  bowed  to 
the  idols  of  gold  and  silver,  and  this  hindered  their  serving 
only  the  living  God ;  but  above  all,  I  apprehended  that  too 
many  grieved,  quenched,  and  resisted  the  Holy  Spirit  of 
God,  and  this  was  most  injurious  to  us.  I  feared  an  unwil- 
lingness to  be  taught  the  first  simple  lessons  of  the  Spirit, 
because  humbling  to  the  human  heart,  and  that  this  hindered 
arriving  at  greater  knowledge.  I  thought  our  deficiencies 
in  faith  and  practice  much  to  arise  from  this  quenching  the 
Holy  Spirit.  I  believed  if  there  was  more  faithfulness  at 
all  times  and  in  all  places — in  the  Market-place — in  the 
Counting-house' — they  would  be  preachers  of  righteousness, 
and  there  would  be  judges  raised  up  as  at  the  first,  and  coun- 
sellors as  at  the  beginning  ;  that  we  should  as  a  people,  arise, 
shine,  and  show  that  the  glory  of  the  Lord  had  risen  upon 
us,  and  that  we  should  uphold  our  important  testimonies  in 
the  spirit  of  wisdom  and  meekness.  I  also  showed  those 


1841.]  LIFE   OP  ELIZABETH   PRY.  567 

•who  were  young,  how  gently  our  Lord  dealt  with  us,  how 
He  fitted  us  for  His  own  work,  how  He  gave  ue,  not  the 
spirit  of  fear,  but  of  love,  and  of  power,  and  of  a  sound 
mind.  I  also  expressed  my  desire  for  all  those  engaged  in 
the  discipline,  that  their  spirits  might  be  covered  with  charity, 
that  they  might  seek  to  restore  the  offender,  remembering 
themselves,  lest  they  should  also  be  tempted,  and  that  they 
might  be  enabled  to  strengthen  the  lyings  that  remain,  that 
were  ready  to  die.  I  concluded  by  expressing  my  desire, 
that  all  might  fill  their  places  in  the  militant  Church  on 
earth,  and  eventually  join  the  Church  triumphant  in  Heaven, 
in  never-ending  rest,  joy  and  glory. 

This  visit  to  the  Men's  Meeting  was  a  solemn  and  deeply 
instructive  one.  Both  the  dear  friends  were  enabled  to 
minister  in  the  demonstration  of  the  Spirit.  But,  although 
Elizabeth  Fry's  communication  had  been  attended  with  much 
power  and  unction,  she  reviewed  it  with  discouraging  appre- 
hensions ;  and,  to  a  friend  who  had  accompanied  these  two 
beloved  sisters,  she  wrote  some  days  afterwards :  "  I  wish  to 
have  thy  real  opinion  of  H.  C.  Backhouse's  and  my  visit  to 
the  Men's  Meeting.  I  have  sometimes  feared  about  it  lest 
any  harm  should  have  been  done  to  the  cause  of  truth  and 
righteousness.  Fears  often  creep  in  with  me  after  weighty 
services,  because  I  so  abundantly  know  the  weakness  of  the 
instrument  through  which  the  anointing  flows.  I  feel  en- 
compassed with  infirmity — a  poor  worm  of  the  dust.  Pray 
for  my  direction,  as  to  my  further  going  out,  and  coming  in." 

Sixth  Month,  5th. — Our  dearest  Louisa  decidedly  mending. 
The  query  now  comes  closely  home,  Am  I  called  again  to 
the  Continent  or  not  ?  Gracious  Lord,  I  earnestly  pray 
Thee,  for  Thine  own  name'  sake,  to  make  my  way  plain 
before  me,  and  through  the  power  of  Thino  own  Spirit,  to 
make  me  perfectly  willing  to  go,  or  to  stay,  to  do  or  to  suf- 
fer, to  be  something,  or  nothing,  exactly  as  Thou  mayst  see 
good  for  myself,  or  on  account  of  others.  I  do  commit  my- 
self, my  all,  and  Thy  cause  which  I  love,  to  Thy  most  Holy 
keeping  and  direction.  Amen. 


1841-1843.  Leaves  home  for  the  Continent — Rotterdam: — The  Hague 
— Amsterdam — Bremen —  Hamburg —  Copenhagen —  Minden  and 
Pyrmont  —  Hanover  —  Berlin  —  Silesia  —  Returns  home — Lynn — 
Earlham — Winter  at  home — King  of  Prussia  in  England — Autumn 
at  Cromer — Fishermen's  Reading  Room — Results  of  Christian 
efforts — Return  by  West  Norfolk  to  Upton  Lane — Death  of  a  Grand- 
daughter— Last  visit  to  France — Female  Prisons  at  Clermont,  Paris, 
&c. — Interviews  with  many  interesting  Persons — Returns  home — 
Meeting  of  "  Ladies'  British  Society." 

ALTHOUGH  Elizabeth  Fry  had  so  repeatedly  visited  the 
Continent,  and  had  so  abundantly  laboured  in  different  na- 
tions, to  spread  the  knowledge  of  the  truth,  and  to  encourage 
amongst  the  various  classes  of  the  people — especially  those 
in  most  influential  positions — a  spirit  of  active  benevolence, 
and  efforts  for  the  reform  of  many  and  serious  evils,  she  did 
not  feel  that  she  had  accomplished  all  that  had  been  contem- 
plated, as  amongst  the  duties  required  of  her.  Her  health 
had  suffered  much  from  a  life  of  continuous  exertion,  and 
she  shrunk  from  the  fatigues  that  she  well  knew  must  be 
encountered  in  such  a  mission ;  and  it  was  but  too  evident 
that  her  bodily  powers  were  becoming  greatly  enfeebled- 
Yet  it  was  not  because  the  shades  of  evening  were  gathering 
around  her,  that  she  would  slacken  her  labours  for  the  good 
of  others.  Whilst  it  was  yet  day,  she  desired  to  work  and 
to  finish  all  that  her  great  Master  might  have  for  her  to  do, 
before  the  night  should  come,  in  which  no  man  can  work. 

(Previous  to  Ratcliff  Monthly  Meeting,,]  Sixth  Month,  she 
writes : — I  most  earnestly  desire  the  direction  of  my  Lord 
and  Master,  through  the  immediate  teaching  of  His  Holy 
(568) 


1841.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  569 

Spirit,  that  I  may  really  know  and  do  His  will  and  His 
will  only.  For  Thy  Name'  sake,  0  Lord  !  lead  me  and  teach 
me.  Am  I  once  more  to  lay  before  the  members  of  our  little 
portion  of  Thy  Church,  my  apprehended  call  of  duty  to  go 
abroad  ?  I  earnestly  pray  Thee,  if  it  be  Thy  call,  make 
it  very  clear  :  if  it  be  not,  let  me  certainly  know  it,  gracious 
Lord,  that  not  my  will,  but  Thine  be  done.  Amen. 

27th,  First-day. — After  most  deeply  weighing  the  subject, 
and  after  very  earnest  prayer  for  direction,  I  felt  best  satis- 
fied to  inform  my  friends  of  my  belief  that  it  might  be  right 
for  me  to  accompany  my  dearest  brother  Joseph  to  the  Con- 
tinent, and  to  visit  some  of  the  more  northern  countries  of 
Europe.  I  had  very  decided  encouragement  from  Friends, 
particularly  the  most  spiritual  amongst  them,  which  I  felt 
helpful  to  me ;  but  I  was  surprised  at  the  degree  of  relief 
and  peace  that  I  felt  afterwards,  as  from  a  voice  before  me, 
saying,  "  This  is  the  way,  walk  in  it." 

Seventh  Month,  28th,  Second-day. — I  had,  on  Seventh- 
day,  letters  from  the  Queen  of  Prussia,  and  the  Princess 
William.  The  first  expressing  much  satisfaction  at  our  pro- 
posed visit ;  our  way  is  clearly  open  in  her  heart,  and  that  of 
the  King. 

My  sister  Gurney,  and  our  dear  friend  Charlotte  Upcher, 
went  with  me  to  the  Bishop  of  London  on  Sixth-day,  on  the 
subject  of  the  "Sisters  of  Charity."  It  has  been  a  great 
pleasure  to  me,  the  Queen  Dowager  giving  her  name  as 
Patroness. 

Upton,  Seventh  Month,  30th. — All  difficulties  and  obstruc- 
tions, which  have  been  serious  and  numerous,  are  removed, 
as  far  as  I  can  see ;  the  way  is  made  plain  and  open  before 
us,  to  set  off  to-morrow  for  our  visit  to  Holland,  Germany, 
Prussia,  and  Denmark.  My  brother  Joseph,  his  daughter 
Anna,  my  dear  niece  Elizabeth  Gurney,  and  my  own  maid 
go  with  me,  with  the  prospect  of  every  comfort  this  life  can 
afford ;  and,  I  humbly  trust,  the  Lord  Himself  calling  us 

into  His  service  that  His  blessing  will   be  with  those  who 
72 


570  LIFE   OP  ELIZABETH   FEY.  [1841. 

stay,  and  those  who  go.     Grant,  gracious  Lord,  through  the 
fulness  of  Thy  love,  that  this  may  indeed  be  the  case. 

The  travellers  arrived  at  Rotterdam,  on  the  31st  of  Seventh 
Month,  and  passed  a  tranquil  First-day  there.  In  the  even- 
ing, they  held  a  large  Meeting  in  an  apartment  of  the  Hotel ; 
the  following  day  visited  prisons ;  and  on  the  2nd  of  Eighth 
Month  proceeded  to  the  Hague,  whence  Elizabeth  Fry  writes 
to  her  home  circle : — 

You  will  like  to  know  that,  through  tender  mercy,  I  was 
favoured  to  feel  much  rest,  refreshment,  and  peace,  at  Rot- 
terdam, and  much  evidence  that  I  was  in  my  right  place. 
Our  visits  to  the  boys'  prison  at  Rotterdam,  and  to  the 
women's  prison  at  Gouda,  were  highly  interesting.  I  find  a 
second  visit  to  a  place  much  better  than  a  first.  We  had 
two  Meetings — one  philanthropic,  one  religious — both  well 
got  through,  and  a  large  attendance.  I  felt  in  leaving  the 
place  much  comfort  and  satisfaction. 

When  we  arrived  at  the  Hague,  our  kind  friend  Lady 
Disbrowe,  (the  wife  of  the  British  Minister,)  and  Sir  Alex- 
ander and  Lady  Malet,  received  us  cordially.  We  divided 
our  evening  between  Sir  Edward  Disbrowe's  and  our  hotel, 
having  a  party  for  us  by  accident,  in  each  place ;  on  the 
whole  both  passed  off  very  well,  and  many  appeared  to  be 
very  glad  to  see  us  again.  We  sent  our  letters  to  the  King 
from  Prince  Albert.  On  Sixth-day,  a  message  came  to  desire 
that  we  would  wait  upon  the  King  and  Queen  the  next  day, 
at  half-past  one  o'clock,  accompanied  by  Lady  Disbrowe. 

We  remained  with  the  King  and  Queen,  and  their  daughter 
the  Princess  Sophia,  about  an  hour.  As  rather  an  interesting 
event  in  my  life,  I  mean  to  tell  you  particulars  of  this  inter- 
view. Before  we  went,  we  had  a  solemn,  short  Meeting  for 
worship,  with  our  dear  and  valued  friends  of  this  town ; 
afterwards  we  prepared  to  go. 

She  had,  just  before  leaving  home,  receive^  from  one  of 
her  sons,  a  present  of  a  neat  brown  silk  dress,  and  from 


1841.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  571 

another  of  her  family  a  drab  silk  shawl.     She  shows  her 
recognition  of  the  kindness,  by  proceeding  as  follows — 

I  was  decorated  by  my  best  garments  outwardly,  and  I 
desired  so  to  be  clothed  with  better  ornaments  spiritually,  as 
to  render  attractive  that  which  I  had  to  recommend.  We  all 
felt  very  weightily  our  serious  engagement,  as  we  had  much 
to  represent  to  the  King  respecting  the  West  Indies,  prisons, 
and  religious  education  for  the  people  in  his  own  country. 
The  King,  a  lively,  clever,  perfect  gentleman,  not  a  large 
man,  in  regimentals ;  the  Queen  (sister  to  the  Emperor  of 
Russia),  a  fine,  stately  person,  in  full  and  rather  beautiful 
morning  dress  of  white ;  the  Princess  much  the  same.  After 
our  presentation,  the  King  began  easy  and  pleasant  conver- 
sation with  me,  about  my  visiting  prisons.  I  told  him  in  a 
short,  lively  manner,  the  history  of  it;  he  said,  he  heard  I 
had  so  many  children,  how  could  I  do  it  ?  This  I  explained ; 
and  mentioned  how  one  of  my  daughters  now  helped  me  in 
the  Patronage  Society.  He  appeared  much  interested,  as 
did  the  Queen.  I  then  said,  my  brother  had  visited  the  West 
Indies,  and  would  be  glad  to  tell  the  King  and  Queen  the 
result  of  his  observations  in  those  islands.  This  he  did  capi- 
tally, showing  the  excellency  of  freedom,  and  its  most  happy 
results ;  he  represented,  also,  the  sad  effects  of  the  Dutch 
enlisting  soldiers  on  the  Gold  Coast,  and  how  it  led  to  evil 
and  slavery,  which  so  touched  the  King,  that  he  said  he  meant 
to  put  a  stop  to  it.  I  then  began  again,  and  most  seriously 
laid  before  the  King,  the  sad  defect  of  having  no  religious 
education  in  their  Government  Schools,  and  the  Bible  not 
introduced.  He  said  he  really  felt  it ;  but  what  could  he  do 
when  there  was  a  law  against  it  ?  We  then  endeavoured  to 
explain  how  we  thought  it  might  be  obtained.  Our  very 
serious  conversation  was  mixed  with  much  cheerfulness.  I 
felt  helped  to  speak  very  boldly,  yet  respectfully;  so  did  my 
brother.  I  concluded  by  expressing  my  earnest  desire  that 
the  King's  reign  might  be  marked  by  the  prisons  "being  so 
reformed,  that  punishment  might  become  the  means  of  tho 


572  L  I  F  E    OF    K  L  I  Z  A  B  E  T  II     F  K  Y .  [1841 

reformation  of  criminals ;  by  the  lower  classes  being  reli- 
giously educated ;  and  by  the  slaves  in  their  colonies  being 
liberated.  The  King  then  took  me  by  the  hand,  and  said 
he  hoped  God  would  bless  me.  I  expressed  my  desire,  that 
the  blessing  of  the  Almighty  might  rest  on  the  King,  Queen, 
their  children,  and  their  children's  children.  We  gave  them 
books,  which  they  accepted  kindly.  It  certainly  was  a  very 
pleasant  and  satisfactory  interview,  that  I  humbly  trust,  will 
not  prove  in  vain  in  the  Lord. 

On  Sixth-day,  with  my  brother,  I  visited  the  Princess  of 
Orange.  We  had  open,  free,  pleasant  communication  on  many 
important  points.  The  same  morning,  I  visited  the  Princess 
Frederick,  sister  to  the  King  of  Prussia,  just  out  of  her  con- 
finement. I  found  her  like  the  other  members  of  that 
superior  family.  My  brother,  also,  had  very  satisfactory 
intercourse  with  the  Princess  of  Orange.  The  Ministers  of 
the  Interior  and  of  Finance  have  been  very  kind,  and  we 
hope  and  expect  that  real  good  will  result.  The  Princess  of 
Orange  has  a  lovely  little  boy  about  two  months  older  than 
our  Princess.  The  girls  went  to  see  him  ;  they  accompanied 
me  to  the  Princess  Frederick,  who  wished  to  see  them,  from 
her  knowledge  of  us  through  the  Prussian  Court. 

On  the  7th,  they  reached  Amsterdam,  where  they  remained 
four  days,  visiting  the  prisons  and  various  public  institu- 
tions, and  holding  Meetings  for  philanthropic  and  religious 
objects.  The  Lunatic  Asylum  they  found  in  a  deplorable 
condition. 

Among  other  miserable  objects,  one  unhappy  woman,  un- 
clothed, lay  grovelling  in  straw.  Whether  the  look  of  com- 
passion, or  the  voice,  attracted  her,  cannot  be  known  ;  but  she 
dragged  herself,  as  near  as  her  chains  would  admit,  to  her 
visitant,  and  endeavoured  to  reach  her  :  the  hand  she  desired 
to  touch  was  yielded  :  she  kissed  it  again  and  again,  and  burst 
into  an  agony  of  tears.  How  deeply  affecting !  Will  any 


1341.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  573 

one  venture  to  assert  that  this  poor  creature  was  past  all  touch 
of  human  feeling,  or  the  reach  of  gentle  control  ? 

On  the  14th,  they  arrived  at  excellent  quarters,  in  the 
pleasant  town  of  Bremen.  The  early  part  of  First-day  was 
spent  in  retirement,  but  in  the  evening  there  was  a  very 
large  Meeting  held  in  the  Museum,  a  noble  building  near 
the  hotel.  Long  before  the  appointed  hour,  well-dressed  per- 
sons proceeded  to  secure  places.  Several  of  the  pasteurs  were 
present.  One  of  them,  at  the  close,  arose  and  beautifully 
addressed  the  missionary  brother  and  sister  ;  expressing  his 
desire  that  what  had  passed  might  be  blessed  to  the  people, 
and  that  they  might  be  themselves  blessed.  To  Elizabeth 
Fry  he  said,  your  name  has  long  been  to  us  "  a  word  of 
beauty."  A  Christian  gentleman  wrote  to  them  afterwards, 
"  Now  I  am  more  than  convinced  that  you  are  sent  to  us  by 
the  Lord,  to  be,  and  to  become,  a  great  blessing,  and  a  salt 
to  our  city."  The  following  morning  they  went  to  see  the 
prison.  Bremen  is  a  Hanse  Town.  An  address,  embodying 
subjects  of  great  importance,  was  afterwards  prepared  by 
Elizabeth  Fry  and  her  brother,  and  forwarded  to  the  mu- 
nicipal authorities  of  the  place. 

When  the  carriage  came  to  the  Hotel  door,  for  their  de- 
parture, crowds  of  the  lower  classes  surrounded  it,  wishing 
them  a  prosperous  journey,  "  bon  voyage,"  thanking  them  for 
the  good  Meeting  they  had  had  the  evening  before,  and  beg- 
ging for  tracts :  whilst  numbers  could  not  be  persuaded  to 
move  till  Elizabeth  Fry  had  shaken  hands  with  them. 

Their  little  transit  across  the  Elbe  would  have  been  de- 
lightful, with  a  splendid  setting  sun,  but  for  a  mob  of  persons 
returning  from  Hamburg  market,  who  having  discovered 
Elizabeth  Fry,  and  her  tract  bag,  so  pressed  upon  her  that 
she  was  glad  to  take  refuge  in  the  carriage. 

Whilst  prisons  and  public  institutions  in  Hamburg  wero 
visited  during  the  mornings,  the  evenings  were  devoted  by 
Elizabeth  Fry  and  her  companions  to  social  intercourse,  when 
subjects  of  a  benevolent  or  religious  character  were  discussed, 


574  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1841. 

or  to  appointed  Meetings  for  worship.  They  held  two  of 
this  nature,  the  last  a  very  large  one,  in  the  Assembly  Room, 
a  splendid  apartment,  fully  lighted,  and  well  arranged  with 
seats.  Many  of  the  authorities  and  principal  inhabitants  of 
Hamburg  were  present,  the  English  Charge  d'Affaires, 

the  French  Charge  d' Affaires,  Colonel  F ,  and  others. 

They  were  conducted  into  the  Meeting  by  the  Syndic 
Sieveking,  an  eminently  excellent  man,  who  led  them  to  a 
small  platform.  Great  attention  was  paid  to  their  com- 
munications, and  the  interpretation  was  excellent.  At  the 
conclusion,  about  fifty  persons  attended  them  to  their  apart- 
ment, when,  after  partaking  of  refreshments,  they  parted 
with  regret  and  affection  on  all  sides. 

The  following  afternoon  saw  them  embarked  on  the  Baltic ; 
they  had  a  brilliant  moonlight  night,  and  an  easy,  pleasant 
voyage  to  Copenhagen,  where  they  remained  a  week. 

On  board  the  packet  after  leaving  Copenhagen,  Eighth 
Month,  30th,  Elizabeth  Fry  writes  to  her  family : 

We  have  been  favoured  to  leave  Denmark  with  peaceful 
minds,  having  endeavoured  to  fulfil  our  mission,  as  ability 
has  been  granted  us ;  a  more  important  one,  or  a  more  inte- 
resting one,  I- think  I  never  was  called  into.  On  First-day 
morning,  when  we  arrived  in  the  harbour,  we  were  met 
by  Peter  Browne,  the  Secretary  to  the  English  Legation,  to 
inform  us  that  the  Queen  had  engaged  for  us  apartments  in 
the  Hotel  Royal.  The  appearance  of  the  Hotel  was,  I  should 
think,  like  the  arrangements  of  one  of  our  first-rate  Hotels 
about  a  hundred  years  ago. 

The  next  morning  the  Queen  came  to  town,  and  we  had  a 
very  pleasant  and  satisfactory  interview  with  her.  She  cer- 
tainly is  a  most  delightful  woman,  as  well  as  a  truly  Christian 
and  devoted  character  ;  lovely  in  person,  and  quite  the  Queen 
in  appearance.  She  took  me  in  her  carriage  to  her  infant 
school,  it  really  was  beautiful  to  see  her  surrounded  by  the 
little  children,  and  to  hear  her  translating  what  I  wished  to 


1841.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  575 

say  to  them.  After  staying  with  her  about  two  hours,  we 
returned  to  our  Hotel ;  and  that  evening  took  a  drive  to  see 
the  beautiful  Palace  of  Fredericksburgh,  in  a  most  lovely 
situation,  the  beauties  of  land  and  sea  combined,  with  fine 
forest  trees  around  it.  The  following  morning  we  regularly 
began  our  prison  visiting ;  very  sad  scenes  we  witnessed  in 
some  of  them.  We  saw  hundreds  of  persons  confined  for 
life  in  melancholy  places ;  but  what  occupied  our  most  par- 
ticular attention,  was  the  state  of  the  persecuted  Christians. 
We  found  Baptist  ministers,  excellent  men,  in  one  of  the 
prisons,  and  that  many  others  of  this  sect  suffered  much  in 
this  country,  for  there  is  hardly  any  religious  tolerance.  It 
produces  the  most  flattening  religious  influence,  I  think  more 
marked  than  in  Roman  Catholic  countries.  We  were  much 
devoted  to  this  service  of  visiting  Prisons.  Third  and  Fourth 
days,  we  received  various  persons  in  the  evenings,  but  saw  as 
yet  but  few  Danes.  On  Fourth-day,  we  dined  at  Sir  Henry 
Watkyn  Wynn's,  our  ambassador,  and  here  we  became  ac- 
quainted with  several  persons :  they  live  quite  in  the  country, 
and  we  saw  the  true  Danish  country-house  and  gardens. 
The  King  and  Queen  were  kind  enough  to  invite  us  all  to 
dine  at  their  palace  in  the  country,  on  Fifth-day  ;  this  was  a 
very  serious  occasion,  as  we  had  so  much  to  lay  before  the 
King ; — slavery  in  the  West  Indies — the  condition  of  the 
persecuted  Christians  here — and  the  sad  state  of  the  prisons. 
I  was  in  spirit  so  weighed  down  with  the  importance  of  the 
occasion,  that  I  hardly  could  enjoy  the  beautiful  scene.  We 
arrived  about  a  quarter  past  three  o'clock ;  the  Queen  met  us 
with  the  utmost  kindness  and  condescension,  and  took  us  a 
walk  in  their  lovely  grounds,  which  are  open  to  the  public. 
We  had  much  interesting  conversation,  between  French  and 
English,  and  made  ourselves  understood  ;  when  our  walk  was 
finished,  we  were  shown  into  the  drawing-room  to  the  King, 
who  met  us  very  courteously ;  several  were  there  in  attend- 
ance. Dinner  was  soon  announced :  imagine  me,  the  King 
on  one  side,  and  the  Queen  on  the  other,  and  only  my  poor 


576  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1841. 

French  to  depend  upon,  but  I  did  my  best  to  tufn  the  time 
to  account.  At  dinner  VFC  found  the  fruit  on  the  table ;  first 
we  had  soup  of  the  country,  secondly,  melons,  thirdly,  yams, 
anchovies,  cavia,  bread  and  butter  and  radishes,  then  meat, 
then  puddings,  then  fish,  then  chickens,  then  game,  and  so 
on.  The  fashion  was  to  touch  glasses  ;  no  drinking  healths. 
The  King  and  Queen  touched  my  glass  on  both  sides  ;  when 
dinner  was  over,  we  all  rose  and  went  out  together.  The 
afternoon  was  very  entertaining,  the  King  and  Que'en  took 
us  to  the  drawing-room  window,  where  we  were  to  see  a  large 
school  of  orphans,  proteges  of  the  Queen.  I  took  advantage 
of  this  opportunity,  and  laid  the  state  of  the  prisons  before 
the  King,  telling  him  at  the  same  time,  that  I  had  a  petition 
for  him,  which  I  meant  to  make  before  leaving  the  palace. 
After  an  amusing  time  with  the  poor  children,  my  brother 
Joseph  withdrew  with  the  King  into  a  private  room,  where, 
for  about  an  hour,  he  gave  him  attention,  whilst  he  thoroughly 
enlarged  upon  the  state  of  their  West  India  Islands.  I  stayed 
with  the  Queen ;  but  after  awhile  went  to  them,  and  did 
entreat  the  King  for  the  poor  Baptists  in  prison,  and  for  re- 
ligious toleration.  I  did  my  best,  in  few  words,  to  express 
my  mind,  and  very  strongly  I  did  it.  I  gave  also  Luther's 
sentiments  upon  the  subject.  We  slept  at  our  friends  the 
Brownes,'  a  beautiful  place  by  the  sea-side.  An  agreeable 
serious  gentleman,  Julius  Schesteed,  was  our  interpreter,  and 
remained  with  us,  helping  us  to  prepare  our  document  for 
the  King  ;  he  has  become  our  constant  companion,  and  is  now 
with  us  in  the  packet,  going  to  Lubeck,  to  interpret  for  us 
there.  On  seventh-day,  (one  of  our  fullest  days,)  we  drove 
into  the  country  to  visit  the  King's  sister,  the  Landgravine 
of  Hesse  Cassel,  the  Prince,  her  husband,  brother  to  the 
Duchess  of  Cambridge,  and  the  lovely  Princesses,  her  daugh- 
ters. We  endeavoured  to  turn  these  visits  to  account,  by 
our  conversation.  In  the  evening,  we  held  one  of  our  very 
large  Meetings.  I  trust  that  we  were  both  so  helped  to 
speak  the  truth  in  love,  on  various  and  very  important  sub- 


1841.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  577 

jects,  as  to  assist  the  causes  nearest  our  hearts,  for  our  poor 
fellow-mortals  ;  it  did  not  appear  desirable  to  allude  to  the 
persecuted  Christians  :  as  we  had  laid  their  case  before  the 
King,  we  might  have  done  harm  by  it ;  but  I  feel  the  way  in 
which  Protestant  Europe  is  persecuting,  to  be  a  subject  that 
cannot,  and  must  not,  be  allowed  to  rest. 

Where  we  now  are,  the  same  old  Lutherans,  whom  we 
found  persecuted  in  Prussia,  are  persecuting  others.  The 
way  in  which  ceremonies  are  depended  upon  is  wonderful,  no 
person  is  allowed  to  fill  any  office  civilly  or  religiously,  until 
confirmed,  not  even  to  marry ;  and  when  once  confirmed,  we 
hear  that  it  leads  to  a  feeling  of  such  security  spiritually, 
that  they  think  themselves  at  liberty  to  do  as  they  like  ;  sadly 
numerous  are  the  instances  of  moral  fall !  These  very  weighty 
subjects  so  deeply  occupying  my  attention,  and  being  sepa- 
rated from  so  many  beloved  ones,  prevent  the  lively  enjoy- 
ment I  should  otherwise  feel,  in  some  of  the  scenes  we  pass 
through  ;  but  I  see  this  to  be  well,  and  in  the  right  ordering 
of  Providence.  I  have  the  kindest  attendants,  and  every- 
thing to  make  me  comfortable. 

On  First-day  morning,  we  had  a  very  interesting  Meeting 
with  the  poor  Baptists.  We  then  again  went  into  the  coun- 
try, to  lay  all  our  statements  before  the  King  and  Queen. 
I  read  the  one  about  the  prisons  and  the  persecuted  Christians ; 
and  my  brother  read  the  one  about  the  West  Indies  :  we  had 
had  them  translated  into  Danish,  for  the  King  to  read  at  the 
same  time.  After  pressing  these  things  as  strongly  as  we  fel* 
right,  we  expressed  our  religious  concern  and  desires  for  the 
King  and  Queen.  I  read  a  little  to  them  in  one  of  Paul's 
Epistles  ;  after  that  I  felt  that  I  must  commit  them,  and  these 
important  causes,  to  Him  who  can  alone  touch  the  heart. 
We  had  a  very  handsome  luncheon,  when  I  was  again  seated 
between  the  King  and  Queen.  I  may  say  their  kindness 
was  very  great  to  me. 

On  Second-day  morning,  we  formed  a  Society  for  attending 

to  poor  prisoners — gentlemen  and  ladies ;  and  then  paid  a 
73 


578  LIFB    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1841. 

most  delightful  farewell  religious  visit,  to  the  Queen  and 
Princess.  I  forgot  to  mention  a  very  interesting  visit  to  the 
Queen  Dowager. 

We  arrived  at  Liibeck,  after  a  calm  voyage ;  but  I  do  not 
like  nights  in  steam-packets.  I  believe  that  we  were  sent 
to  Copenhagen  for  a  purpose.  May  our  unworthy  labours 
be  blessed  to  the  liberation  of  many  captives,  spiritually  and 
temporally. 

May  the  God  of  peace  be  near  to  all  of  you,  and  to  us,  as 
our  continual  Keeper  and  Helper. 

Farewell,  in  most  tender  and  near  love  to  all. 

Yours  indeed,  and  in  truth, 

ELIZABETH  FRY. 

By  Lubeck  they  returned  to  Hamburg ;  thence  Elizabeth 
Fry  wrote  to  her  family  : — 

Hamburg,  Ninth  Month,  3rd. 


We  last  night  finished  our  labours  in  these  Hanse  Towns. 
We  have  laboured  in  them  in  various  ways,  particularly  in 
this  large  and  important  town.  We  have  boldly  set  our  faces 
against  religious  persecution,  and  upheld  religious  toleration 
and  Christian  unity  in  the  Church  of  Christ.  We  have  also 
laboured  about  their  prisons,  and  expect  to  have  many  evils 
mitigated.  It  is  extraordinary,  the  good  fellowship  and  love 
that  we  have  enjoyed  with  numbers.  In  a  spiritual  sense, 
fathers,  mothers,  brothers  and  sisters  given  to  us,  and  helpers 
most  curiously  and  constantly  raised  up,  from  place  to  place. 


From  Hamburg,  by  Minden  and  Pyrmont,  they  pursued 
their  way  to  Hanover.  At  the  latter  place  Elizabeth  Fry 
writes  to  her  youngest  daughter. 

Hanover,  Ninth  Month,  3th,  1841 

I  cannot  express  the  fulness  of  my  love  and  interest  for 
my  children  in  their  different  allotments,  and  how  often  I 


1841.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  579 

think  jf  you  and  your  families  before  the  Lord,  in  my  quiet 
meditations.  We  arrived  here,  after  finishing  our  interest- 
ing and  satisfactory  visits  to  our  dear  Friends  at  Minden  and 
Pyrmont.  I  felt  it  refreshing,  being  again  with  these  dear 
simple-hearted  people,  and  I  do  think  they  are  useful  in  their 
allotnftnt.  How  much  I  should  like  you  to  have  seen  us 
dining  with  them  at  Friedensthal ;  such  a  numerous  family, 
grandmother,  children,  grandchildren,  in  a  large  room,  and  a 
beautiful  and  most  hospitable  German  dinner.  We  not  only 
were  favoured  with  outward  refreshment,  but  it  reminded  mo 
of  the  disciples  formerly,  who  went  from  house  to  house, 
breaking  bread  and  giving  thanks ;  and  I  desired  that  we 
might  do  as  they  did,  "eat  our  meat  with  gladness  and  single- 
ness of  heart"  I  hope  there  was  something  of  this  spirit. 
The  country  lovely.  I  retired  for  rest  on  a  little  German 
bed,  whilst  my  companions  took  a  ride  on  horseback,  over 
the  beautiful  hills.  We  had  a  very  interesting  Meeting, 
largely  attended  by  the  company  who  come  here  to  drink  the 
waters,  and  by  the  Pyrmontese.  At  Minden,  the  Friends 
are  in  more  humble  life.  I  could  not  but  be  struck  with  the 
peculiar  contrast  of  my  circumstances ;  in  the  morning  tra- 
versing the  bad  pavement  of  a  street  in  Minden,  with  a  poor 
old  Friend  in  a  sort  of  knitted  cap,  close  to  her  head,  in  the 
evening  surrounded  by  the  Prince  and  Princesses  of  a  Ger- 
man court ;  for  to  our  surprise,  Dr.  Julius's  sister  followed 
us  to  Minden,  to  inform  us  that  in  the  town  of  Biickcburg, 
that  we  had  passed  through,  there  was  a  desire  expressed 
that  we  should  hold  a  Meeting,  and  that  the  reigning  Prin- 
cess wished  us  to  go  to  the  palace.  After  some  consideration 
we  agreed  to  go,  and  upon  our  arrival  in  the  town,  found  a 
large  Meeting  of  the  gentry  assembling  ;  some  time  after- 
wards the  Prince  and  Princesses  and  their  family  came  in. 
They  rule  the  state  of  Lippe  Schonenburg,  one  of  tho  small, 
rich  German  states,  I  endeavoured  to  speak  the  truth  boldly 
in  love,  drawing  results  from  my  experience  in  prisons,  and 
flecking,  as  ability  was  granted  me,  to  bring  it  homo  to  tho 


580  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1841. 

hearts  of  those  present.  Your  uncle  also  spoke  to  the  same 
purpose.  Afterwards  we  had  a  very  agreeable  visit  to  the 
palace,  where  we  were  most  cordially  received,  and  had  tea 
at  five  o'clock  ;  there  were  many  to  meet  us.  After  this  sin- 
gular visit,  we  proceeded  here,  but  did  not  arrive  till  past 
twelve  o'clock  at  night,  having  had  two  Meetings  at  Minden, 
and  one  at  Buckeburg.  We  were  completely  tired ;  almost 
too  much  £0.  To-day  we  are  busy  here,  and  I  am  delighted  to 
find  the  dear  late  Queen  really  had  the  chains  knocked  off  the 
poor  prisoners  at  Hameln ;  it  was  a  delightful  sight  to  see  their 
happy,  grateful  faces.  They  looked  as  if  they  knew  that  we 
had  pleaded  for  them.  I  think  it  was  one  of  the  pleasantest 
visits  I  ever  paid,  and  to  find  that  the  prisoners  had  behaved 
so  well  since,  and  that  the  kindness  shown  them  had  had  so 
good  an  effect.  We  are  now  much  occupied  in  answering 
an  interesting  letter  from  the  King  of  Hanover  to  me,  and 
as  I  have  many  weighty  things  to  say  to  him,  I  fear  I  must 
leave  off,  being  very  tired,  and  expecting  a  large  party  this 
evening. 

The  evening  proved  particularly  satisfactory.  Elizabeth 
Fry  and  her  brother,  met  both  the  gentlemen  and  the  ladies' 
Committees  for  visiting  prisons.  A  day  of  very  hard  travel- 
ling brought  them  to  Magdeburgh,  and  a  second,  by  railroad 
diverging  to  visit  Wittenburg,  to  Berlin.  Numerous  objects 
awaited  their  attention  in  that  city ;  not  the  less  weighty  to 
Elizabeth  Fry,  from  having  been  there  before  and  made  so 
many  acquaintances ;  besides  the  additional  interest  which 
she  felt  in  Institutions  already  known  to  her. 

The  state  of  the  prisons  was,  of  course,  her  chief  object  of 
attention.  She  and  her  brother  prepared  recommendations 
to  lay  before  General  Thile,  Minister  of  the  Koyal  House, 
embodying  their  observations  and  opinions,  and  urging  the 
necessity  of  many  alterations  before  real  improvement  could 
be  effected.  The  Prussian  Royal  Family  were,  at  the  time, 
in  Silesia ;  thither  the  travellers  had  been  invited  to  follow 
them,  for  there  were  those  amongst  them,  who  considered 


1841.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  581 

that  the  retirement  of  that  district,  would  be  well  suited 
for  the  consideration  of  Elizabeth  Fry's  important  objects. 
The  prospect  of  going  thither  was  weightily  felt  by  her. 
She  had,  naturally,  the  fear  of  man  deeply  implanted  in  her 
character.  Religion  had  changed  its  direction,  but  not  eradi- 
cated it.  It  was  no  longer  for  herself  that  she  was  afraid :  it 
was  for  the  cause'  sake  to  which  her  heart  was  given :  for 
amongst  these  royal  and  noble  personages  she  dreaded,  in 
either  herself  or  her  companions,  anything  that  might  not 
adorn  the  doctrine  of  God  her  Saviour.  She  soon  discovered 
that  she  had  come  amongst  Christians,  many  of  them  devoted, 
like  herself,  to  the  service  of  their  Maker.  Amongst  the 
members  of  the  House  of  Brandenburg,  she  found  many  ex- 
cellent persons. 

No  record  of  this  time,  singular  and  important  as  it  was, 
exists  of  her  own  writing,  excepting  a  letter  to  her  grand- 
children. But  the  deficiency  is  well  supplied  from  the  journal 
of  one  of  her  companions : — 

"It  was  on  the  10th  of  the  Ninth  Month  that  the  travellers  arrived 
at  Hirschbcrg ;  a  beautiful  little  village,  inhabited  by  a  clean  and 
very  respectable  class  of  peasantry.  It  is  situated  about  eight  miles 
from  the  Royal  residences  of  Ermansdorf,  Fischbach,  and  Schildau; 
and  is  nearly  equi-distant  from  Buchwald,  the  home  of  the  Countess 
Reden,  of  whose  Christian  character  and  benevolence  Elizabeth  Fry 
had  often  before  heard.  The  King  and  Queen  were  at  that  time 
residing  at  Ermansdorf.  At  Fischbach  lived  Prince  and  Princess 
William,  (the  uncle  and  aunt  of  the  Queen,)  with  their  sons  Prince 
Waldemar  and  Prince  Adelbert,  and  their  daughter  Princess  Mary, 
now  Queen  of  Bavaria.  Prince  Charles,  brother  of  the  King,  was 
also  on  a  visit  to  Fischbach.  The  sister  of  the  King,  and  her  hus- 
band, Prince  and  Princess  Frederick  of  the  Netherlands,  with  their 
daughter  Princess  Louisa,  were  then  residing  at  Schildau. 

"  To  many  of  the  Royal  family,  Elizabeth  Fry  had  been  introduced 
in  the  previous  year  at  Berlin,  and  the  Princess  Frederic  of  the 
Netherlands  had  been  visited  by  her  at  hor  own  beautiful  home  near 
the  Hague  soroo  time  Ix-fore.  It  was  a  lovely  spot  in  winch  Elizabeth 


582  LIFE  OF  ELIZABETH   FEY.  [1841- 

Fry  now  found  her  tent  pitched  for  a  while.  To  a  mere  passing 
traveller  there  was  much  to  delight  and  to  please ;  but  still  more  of 
deep  interest  to  those  who  could,  in  any  degree,  enter  into  the 
Royal  domestic  circles  there  assembled,  and  this  Elizabeth  Fry  was 
privileged  to  do,  with  much  enjoyment,  and  with  an  earnest  desire 
to  be  permitted  to  be  useful  and  faithful,  in  all  her  intercourse  with 
them.  The  morning  was  usually  passed  in  writing  and  preparing 
important  documents  on  the  Prison,  Slavery,  and  other  questions ; 
and  the  afternoon  in  some  visit  to  one  of  the  palaces,  which  had 
been  previously  arranged.  The  First-day  was  replete  with  interest. 
In  the  early  part  of  it,  it  was  necessary  to  finish  an  address  to 
the  King  on  Religious  Toleration,  and  on  matters  connected  with 
Prisons. 

"  Elizabeth  Fry  was,  at  that  time,  suffering  from  great  debility  and 
fatigue ;  but  a  power,  not  her  own,  seemed  granted  her  to  rise  above 
her  infirmities,  and  to  meet  the  various  duties,  which  on  that  day  were 
given  her  to  fulfil.  It  is  only  those  who  held  intimate  communica- 
tion with  her  at  these  times,  who  can,  in  any  measure,  understand 
the  extreme  nervousness  of  her  constitution  on  the  one  hand,  or  on 
the  other,  the  amount  of  strength  granted  her  in  every  time  of  need. 
She  prayed  that  in  nothing  might  she  seek  herself,  in  all  Christ 
Jesus ;  and  that  all  which  He  laid  upon  her  for  His  glory,  and  the 
good  of  her  fellow-creatures,  she  might  rightly  and  faithfully  per- 
form. The  long  and  interesting  papers  which  had  been  prepared  for 
the  King,  were  again  perused  during  the  drive  to  Princess  William's 
Palace,  which  was  reached  about  one  o'clock,  she  having  called  on 
the  way  at  Buchwald,  for  the  excellent  Countess,  whose  ever  ready 
aid  was  given  to  support  and  help  her,  and  who,  in  the  present  in- 
stance, interpreted  Elizabeth  Fry's  words  for  the  Princess.  Many 
other  ladies  were  assembled  at  the  Palace,  and  after  some  conver- 
sation of  a  general  nature,  every  one  remained  in  silence,  to  listen 
to  what  she  might  have  to  say  to  them.  This  opportunity  of  address- 
ing Gospel  truth  to  such  a  company,  she  dared  not  pass  by ;  every 
word  appeared  to  be  listened  to,  with  the  deepest  attention,  by  all 
present.  She  spoke  of  the  importance  of  upholding  a  religious 
standard  in  the  world ;  of  making  a  final  and  decisive  choice  in 
these  important  matters;  of  taking  Christ  as  the  only  portion,  and 
rejecting  all  besides.  She  impressed  upon  her  hearers  the  duties, 
incumbent  on  persons  of  a  higher  class,  of  using  their  influence  with 


1841.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  583 

others  for  good,  and  not  for  evil.  She  spoke  of  the  privilege  of 
possessing  such  means  of  usefulness.  Very  solemnly  she  urged  upon 
all  heads  of  large  establishments,  the  vast  amount  of  responsibility 
entrusted  to  them;  the  prevention  of  crime,  and  the  good  to  be 
derived  even  by  silent  example,  and  by  the  daily  reading  of  the 
Holy  Scriptures  to  the  assembled  family.  She  added  an  account  of 
the  experience  of  many  prisoners,  as  to  the  blessing  of  being  placed 
in  professedly  religious  families,  and  the  awful  temptations  presented 
to  the  servants  of  those  who  take  no  care  for  their  souls,  and  arc 
neglecting  their  eternal  interests.  Many  tears  were  shed  on  this 
occasion,  and  all  seemed  anxious  to  share  her  sympathy  and  love. 

"  During  her  stay  in  Silesia,  Elizabeth  Fry  had  opportunities  of 
intercourse  with  the  poor  Tyrolese,  who  having  fled  from  their  native 
Zillerthal,  on  account  of  the  religious  persecution  which  they  endured 
from  the  Austrian  Government,  had  thrown  themselves  under  the 
protection  of  the  late  King  of  Prussia;  and,  by  him,  had  been 
placed  under  the  care  of  the  Countess  Reden,  who  had  proved  her- 
self indeed  a  nursing  mother  to  them.  It  will  be  necessary  to  take 
a  hasty  review  of  the  history  of  these  Zillerthalians,  in  order  rightly 
to  estimate  the  deep  interest  excited  in  Elizabeth  Fry's  mind  on 
their  behalf." 

These  people  had  become,  through  reading  the  Bible  and 
other  religious  books,  converts  from  the  Roman  Catholic 
faith  to  Protestantism.  After  much  patient  suffering,  they 
were  commanded  by  the  Austrian  Government  to  quit  their 
native  land  within  four  months.  The  late  King  of  Prussia 
warmly  sympathised  with  them,  and  gave  permission  for  the 
emigration  of  the  Zillerthalians  into  Prussia :  he  was  willing 
to  receive  them  all. 

"  The  Zillerthalians  hastened  to  complete  their  preparations;  and 
fourteen  days  before  the  expiration  of  the  four  months,  the  first  di- 
vision of  the  wanderers  commenced  their  journey;  old  age  and 
infancy,  manhood  and  gentle  woman,  alike  leaving  their  beloved 
homes,  and  turning  their  faces  to  the  asylum  opened  for  them  by  the 
compassion  of  their  noble  protector.  Very  touching  was  the  detail 
of  their  pilgrimage,  most  affecting  and  instructive  their  patience, 
their  courage,  their  simple  faith.  Their  ut-w  home  lay  in  the  domain 


584  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1841. 

of  Ermansdorf,  where  each  obtained  a  house  and  farm  suitable  to  his 
means,  and  his  former  position  in  the  Tyrol.  The  colony  itself 
has  received  the  name  of  their  old  home,  Zillerthal.  -  The  Countess 
of  Itedcu  was  appointed  to  attend  to  their  necessities.  She  had 
cottages  built  for  them  in  the  true  Swiss  style,  with  large  balconies 
and  long  roofs,  and  established  for  them  schools,  and,  in  every  pos- 
sible way,  employed  and  instructed  them.  Ever  thoughtful  of  their 
interests,  the  Countess  invited  them  to  come  to  Buchwald  on  that 
evening  to  receive  encouragement  and  comfort  from  Elizabeth  Fry; 
she  having  expressed  her  anxious  wish  to  hold  with  them  some 
communication  in  Christian  love.  A  meeting  was  appointed  for 
them  on  this  First-day  evening.  The  King  and  Queen  and  other 
members  of  the  Royal  family  arrived  to  attend  it.  At  length 
came  the  exiles  from  Zillerthal,  forming  a  curious  and  picturesque 
group,  dressed  in  the  costume  of  their  country.  Both  men  and 
women  in  dark  green  cloth  clothes,  and  high-pointed  hats,  many 
of  the  latter  ornamented  with  garlands  and  nosegays  of  flowers. 
A  long  table  was  placed  at  one  end  of  the  room,  at  which  the  Zil- 
lerthalians  sat,  and  in  front  of  it  was  a  Moravian  brother,  for  whom 
the  good  Countess  had  sent  forty  miles,  to  act  as  interpreter.  On 
the  right  hand  of  the  table  were  seated  the  Royal  family  and 
others,  and  many  persons  stood  crowding  round  the  door.  It 
would  be  scarcely  possible  to  describe  the  deep  interest  of  that 
whole  group,  or  the  solemn  silence  which  prevailed  when  Elizabeth 
Fry  began  to  speak. 

"After  J.  J.  Gurney  had,  in  a  few  words,  prepared  the  way  for 
her,  she  rose  with  much  solemnity  and  earnestness.  Never  did 
she  address  any  assembly  more  beautifully,  with  more  unction,  or 
more  truly  from  the  depths  of  her  heart,  and  no  audience  could 
have  given  more  profound  attention  to  every  word  she  uttered. 
She  invited  them  all  to  a  close  dependence  upon  Jesus  Christ,  and 
urged  a  full,  firm,  and  constant  trust  in  Him,  as  their  Lord  and 
their  Saviour,  their  King  and  their  God. 

"With  her  usual  clearness  -and  power,  each  individual,  each 
class  present,  seemed  included  in  her  address.  It  was  the  first 
occasion  on  which  she  had  seen  the  King  since  his  accession  to  the 
throne,  and  she  knew,  too,  that  it  was  the  first  time  of  his  meeting 
many  there  present,  as  their  sovereign.  Her  words  of  sympathy 
to  him,  on  the  death  of  his  father,  and  her  estimate  of  his  pnssent 


1841.]  LIFE   OF   ELIZABETH   FRY.  585 

important  position  in  Europe,  which  she  spoke  for  herself,  as  well 
as  for  those  about  her,  were  beautifully  adapted  to  the  occasion. 
Joseph  John  Gurney  added  a  few  words ;  afterwards  a  hymn  was 
sung,  led  by  the  Moravian  Brethren ;  and  then  the  Tyrolese  de- 
parted. Every  one  flocked  around  her  with  a  word  of  love  or  kind- 
ness, but  none  expressed  more  interest,  or  more  gratitude,  than  the 
King  himself." 

How  does  the  contemplation  of  such  out-pourings  of  divine 
love,  amongst  the  people  of  a  strange  language,  composed 
of  so  great  a  variety  of  class  and  condition,  raise  in  the  heart 
the  fervent  glow  of  adoring  gratitude  to  Him,  with  whom 
"  there  is  no  respect  of  persons" — in  whose  holy  sight  all 
merely  external  circumstances — all  mere  outward  forms,  with 
the  differing  shades  of  religious  opinion,  are  but  as  the  mist 
before  the  sun,  and  who  regards,  with  equal  acceptance,  all 
those  who  fear  Him  and  work  righteousness.  May  He  be 
graciously  pleased  to  hasten  the  day,  when  His  children,  of 
every  nation,  kindred,  tongue,  and  people,  shall,  as  one 
household  of  faith,  become  united  in  Jesus ;  according  to 
His  sacred  petition,  "As  Thou,  Father,  art  in  me,  and  I  in 
Thee,  that  they  also  may  be  one  in  us." 

On  the  following  day,  the  travellers  dined  at  Fischbach, 
where  Elizabeth  Fry  again  met  the  King,  and  then  came 
the  leave-taking,  always  so  sad,  when  the  probabilities  of 
life  afford  little  expectation  of  meeting  again  on  this  side 
the  eternal  world. 

From  this  place  she  wrote  to  her  Grandchildren : — 

Fischbach. 

Instead  of  my  private  journal,  I  am  disposed  to  write  to 
you  from  this  very  lovely  and  interesting  place.  I  am  not 
very  well  in  health,  but  I  may  thankfully  acknowledge,  that 
although  tried  by  it  for  a  while,  such  sweet  peace  was  granted 
me  that  I  was  permitted  to  feel  it  sleeping,  as  well  as  waking ; 
so  that  I  may  say,  my  Lord  restored  my  soul,  and  I  fully  ex- 
pect is  healing,  and  will  heal,  my  body.  I  think  a  more 
interesting  neighbourhood  I  never  heard  of,  than  the  one  we 
74 


586  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1841. 

are  in.  These  lovely  mountains  have  beautiful  palaces  scat- 
tered about  them.  One  belonging  to  the  King,  others  to 
Prince  William,  Prince  Frederick,  and  other  Princes  and 
Princesses,  not  royal ;  besides  several  to  the  nobility  ;  but 
what  delights  my  heart  is,  that  almost  all  these  palaces  are 
inhabited  by  Christian  families — some,  of  most  remarkable 
brightness.  Then  we  find  a  large  establishment,  with  nu- 
merous cottages  in  the  Swiss  style,  inhabited  by  a  little  colony 
of  Tyrolese.  They  fled  from  Zillerthal,  because  they  suffered 
so  much  on  account  of  their  religious  principles,  being  Pro- 
testants. The  late  King  of  Prussia  allowed  them  to  take 
refuge  in  these  mountains,  and  built  them  these  beautiful 
cottages.  We  therefore  rejoice  in  the  belief,  that  in  the  cot- 
tages, as  well  as  the  palaces,  there  are  many  faithful  servants 
of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  This  evening  we  are  to  hold  a 
Meeting  for  such  as  can  attend,  at  the  mansion  of  the  Coun- 
tess Reden,  who  is  like  a  mother  in  Israel,  to  rich  and  poor. 
We  dined  at  her  castle  yesterday.  I  think  the  palaces,  for 
simple  country  beauty,  exceed  anything  I  ever  saw;  the 
drawing-rooms  are  so  filled  with  flowers,  that  they  are  like 
greenhouses,  beautifully  built,  and  with  the  finest  views  of 
the  mountains.  We  dined  at  the  Princess  William's  with 
several  of  the  Royal  Family ;  the  Queen  came  afterwards ; 
she  appeared  much  pleased  at  my  delight  on  hearing  that  the 
King  had  stopped  religious  persecutions  in  the  country,  and 
that  several  other  things  had  been  improved  since  our  last 
visit.  It  is  a  very  great  comfort  to  believe,  that  our  efforts 
for  the  good  of  others  have  been  blessed — may  we  be  thank- 
ful enough  for  it.  Yesterday,  we  paid  a  very  interesting 
visit  to  the  Queen,  then  to  Prince  Frederick  of  Holland  and 
his  Princess,  sister  to  the  King  of  Prussia ;  with  her  we  had 
much  serious  conversation  upon  many  important  subjects,  as 
we  had  also  with  the  Queen.  Dined  early  at  the  Countess 
Reden's.  The  Princess  William,  and  her  daughter  the  Prin- 
cess Mary,  joined  us  in  the  afternoon,  with  several  others. 
How  delighted  you  would  be  with  the  Countess  and  her  sis- 


1841.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  587 

ter  ;  they  show  the  beauty  of  holiness.  Although  looked  up 
to  by  all,  they  appear  so  humble,  so  moderate  in  every  thing. 
I  think  the  Christian  ladies  on  the  Continent  dress  far  more 
simply  than  those  in  England.  The  Countess  appeared  very 
liberal,  but  extravagant  in  nothing.  A  handsome  dinner ; 
but  only  one  sort  of  wine,  and  all  accordingly.  To  please  us, 
she  had  apple-dumplings,  which  were  thought  quite  a  curi- 
osity, and  they  really  were  very  nice.  The  company  stood 
still  before  and  after  dinner,  instead  of  saying  grace. 

Afternoon. — We  are  just  returned  from  Prince  William's, 
where  we  have  had  a  Meeting  of  a  very  interesting  nature. 
Many  ladies  were  assembled  to  meet  us,  that  I  might  give 
them  some  account  of  my  experience  in  prisons.  Your  uncle 
added  some  account  of  his  journey  in  the  West  Indies.  We 
expressed  our  desire  that  the  blessing  of  God  might  be  with 
them.  Great  love  was  shown  us :  indeed,  they  treat  me  more 
like  a  sister  than  a  poor,  humble  individual,  as  I  feel  myself 
to  be.  On  our  return  we  met  the  King :  we  rather  exptct 
he  will  be  at  our  Meeting  at  the  Countess  Reden's  this 
evening. 

Second-day  morning. — We  returned  from  our  interesting 
Meeting  at  the  Countess's  about  eleven  o'clock  in  the  evening. 
The  Royal  Family  were  assembled,  and  numbers  of  the  no- 
bility ;  after  a  while  the  King  and  Queen  arrived.  The  poor 
Tyrolcse  flocked  in  numbers.  I  doubt  such  a  Meeting  ever 
having  been  held  before,  anywhere — the  curious  mixture  of 
all  ranks  and  conditions.  My  poor  heart  almost  failed  me. 
Most  earnestly  did  I  pray  for  best  llelp,  and  not  unduly  to 
fear  man.  The  Royal  Family  sat  together,  or  nearly  so  ;  the 
King  and  Queen,  Princess  William,  Princess  Frederick, 
Princess  Mary,  Prince  William,  Prince  Charles,  brother  to 
the  King,  Prince  Frederick  of  the  Netherlands,  young  Prince 
William ;  besides  several  other  Princes  and  Princesses,  not 
royal.  They  began  with  a  hymn  in  German.  Your  uncle 
Joseph  spoke  for  a  little  while,  explaining  our  views  on  wor- 
ship. Then  I  enlarged  upon  the  changes  that  had  taken 


588  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1841. 

place  since  I  was  last  in  Prussia,  mentioned  the  late  King's 
kindness  to  these  poor  Tyrolese  in  their  affliction  and  dis- 
tress :  afterwards  addressed  these  poor  people,  and  then  those 
of  high  rank,  and  felt  greatly  helped  to  speak  the  truth  to 
them  in  love.  They  appeared  very  attentive  and  feeling.  I 
also,  at  the  close  of  my  exhortation,  expressed  my  prayer  for 
them.  Then  your  uncle  Joseph  spoke  fully  on  the  great 
truths  of  the  Gospel,  and  showed  that  the  prince,  as  well  as 
the  peasant,  would  have  to  give  an  account  of  himself  to 
God.  In  conclusion,  he  expressed  his  prayer  for  them. 
They  finished  with  another  hymn.  It  was  a  solemn  time. 
We  afterwards  had  interesting  conversation  for  ahout  an 
hour.  When  the  King  and  Queen  were  gone,  we  were 
enabled  to  pray  with  the  Countess,  for  herself  and  her  sister, 
that  all  their  labours  in  the  Lord's  service  might  be  blessed. 
Now,  my  much-loved  grandchildren,  let  me  remind  you  that 
we  must  be  humbled,  and  take  up  the  cross  of  Christ,  if  we 
desire  to  be  made  use  of  by  our  Lord  ;  "  Him  that  honoureth 
me,  I  will  honour."  May  you  confess  your  Lord  before  men, 
and  He  will  then  assuredly  confess  and  honour  you.  I  can 
assure  you,  when  surrounded  by  so  many  who  are  willing  to 
hear  me,  I  feel  greatly  humbled. 

I  wish  dear  Frank  to  read  this,  as  my  eldest  grandchild, 
and  one  in  whom  I  take  so  tender  an  interest.  Indeed,  my 
beloved  grandchildren,  you  dwell  very  near  my  heart ;  may 
the  same  Holy  Spirit  who  has  helped  and  guided  your  grand- 
mother, help  and  guide  you ! 

May  the  Lord  bless  you  and  keep  you,  and  raise  you  up 
for  His  own  service  ;  for  it  is  a  most  blessed  service.  Dearest 
love  to  your  fathers  and  mothers, 

lam, 

Your  most  loving  grandmother, 

E.  F. 

It  was  on  this  occasion  the  Princess  William  gave  an 
iccount  of  the  great  prison  at  Jauer,  and  the  King  expressed 


1841.]  LIFE    OS    ELIZABETH     FRY.  589 

a  strong  wish  that  Elizabeth  Fry  should  see  it,  though  con- 
siderably out  of  her  route.  This  visit  was  afterwards  ac- 
complished. It  proved  one  of  mournful  interest.  In  one  cell 
was  a  murderer,  in  another  a  man  of  well-known  desperate 
character ;  they  were  both  most  cruelly  fettered,  to  prevent 
their  escape  through  the  window  ;  each  was  fastened  to  an 
iron  staple  in  the  floor,  with  a  heavy  iron  bar  across  the 
shoulder,  to  make  any  movement  irksome.  Their  condition 
was  afterwards  represented  by  Elizabeth.  Fry  to  the  King, 
who  ordered  their  chains  to  be  lightened,  and  commanded 
that  immediate  attention  should  be  paid  to  their  health,  &c. 

Many  of  the  prisoners  on  this  occasion  were  assembled  in 
the  chapel,  when  both  J.  J.  Gurney  and  Elizabeth  Fry  spoke 
to  them  at  considerable  length.  Their  addresses  were  in- 
terpreted by  the  Moravian  brother  from  Buchwald,  whose 
attendance  at  the  prison  had  been  commanded  by  the  King, 
for  that  purpose. 

Extract  from  a  letter  to  her  youngest  son — 

Ermansdorf,  Ninth  Month,  20th. 

This  morning  we  visited  the  King  and  Queen,  after  our 
very  interesting  Meeting  last  evening  which  they  attended, 
at  the  Countess  Reden's ;  a  Meeting  never  to  be  for- 
gotten. We  went  with  a  long  document  to  the  King 
and  Queen  about  the  prisons,  and  various  other  subjects  ; 
we  were  received  with  the  utmost  kindness,  and  remained 
with  them  nearly  two  hours  and  a  half.  We  also  had  a 
reading  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and  I  prayed  for  them.  We 

parted  in  love I  wish  I  could  fully  describe  the 

deep  interest  we  have  had  in  this  journey,  and  how  marked 
has  been  the  kindness  of  Providence  towards  us,  in  many 
ways,  and  how  blessed  his  service  is.  I  certainly  think  the 
inhabitants  of  the  mountains  of  Silesia  the  most  interesting 
and  curious  assemblage  of  persons  that  I  ever  met  with. 
We,  from  this  place,  see  those  beautiful  mountains,  the 
Reisenberg,  in  their  splendour,  the  morning  being  very  fine 


590  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1841. 

and  bright ;  probably  the  last  time  I  shall  ever  see  them — 
though  the  King  and  Queen  begged  me  to  return ;  but  this 
I  never  expect  to  do,  for  I  find  the  roughs  of  the  journey 
are,  with  all  my  numerous  indulgences,  far  too  much  for  me, 
and  I  often  feel  very  nearly  ill.  I  think  through  all,  I  have 
seldom  had  more  reason  to  believe  that  I  have  been  called  to 
any  service. 

Elizabeth  Fry's  health,  which  had,  for  a  considerable  time 
appeared  increasingly  enfeebled,  became  more  seriously  af- 
fected ;  and  it  appeared  right  to  proceed  towards  Ostend, 
whence  they  sailed  to  Dover  on  the  2nd  of  Tenth  Month. 
There  Elizabeth  Fry  was  met  by  her  husband,  who  was  little 
prepared  for  the  debilitated  state  in  which  she  was  brought 
back  to  him.  At  Ramsgate,  where  her  eldest  daughter  awaited 
her,  she  remained,  till  she  could  be  moved  without  material 
suffering.  Her  son  William  was  at  that  time  residing  at 
Upton  Lane,  whilst  his  own  house  was  undergoing  some 
alterations.  She  stayed  a  few  days  with  him  and  his  family, 
and  then,  with  great  difficulty,  she  was  conveyed  into  Nor- 
folk, where,  for  many  reasons,  she  was  particularly  anxious 
to  go. 

The  state  of  her  mind  on  returning  from  this  Continental 
visit,  during  which  she  had  been  so  much  sought  after  by 
the  great  ones  of  this  world,  strikingly  evinced,  that  she 
desired  not  "  the  honour  that  cometh  from  man,"  but  that 
true  honour  which  is  the  companion  of  humility,  and  which 
"  cometh  from  God  only." 

In  a  letter  to  an  intimate  friend — referring  to  her  indisposi- 
tion— she  wrote,  shortly  after  her  return  home,  as  follows — 

I  desire  for  myself,  and  those  who  love  me,  that  we  may 
altogether  leave  my  state  of  health  to  Him,  who  knows  best 
what  is  best  for  me,  and  could  immediately  heal  me,  if  He 
daw  it  best  to  do  so.  What  a  mercy  I  suffer  so  little,  and  have 
so  many  hours  of  rest,  ease,  and  peace  !  It  is  good,  now  and 
then,  to  b«  taken  from  the  bustle  of  life,  and  to  rest  a  little 


1841.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  591 

beside  the  still  waters :  yet  there  are  hours  when,  for  the 
sake  of  the  oppressed  and  the  afflicted,  I  long  to  be  strength- 
ened to  work.  Then,  again,  I  leave  it  to  Him  who  can  work 
as  well  without  his  unworthy  instruments,  as  with  them.  I 
feel  only  an  unworthy  monument  of  the  love,«pity,  mercy, 
and  faithfulness  of  our  Lord  to  one  of  His  most  undeserving 
servants. 

The  infirm  state  of  Elizabeth  Fry's  health  precluded  at 
this  period  much  active  exertion ;  but  her  time  was  fully 
occupied,  and  her  interest  not  at  all  diminished  in  those  sub- 
jects to  which  she  had  so  long  devoted  her  attention.  Her 
correspondence  was  extensive,  both  at  home  and  abroad — 
the  latter  especially,  much  of  it  arising  from  her  late  journeys 
on  the  Continent.  She  had  the  great  satisfaction  of  hearing 
of  the  beneficial  results  of  her  exertions  in  different  places. 
From  her  beloved  and  valued  friend,  the  Countess  Reden, 
she  received  heart-cheering  communications;  the  King  of 
Prussia  having  urged  upon  General  Thile,  Minister  of  the 
Royal  House,  the  necessity  of  effecting  various  reforms  in 
prisons.  The  Countess  Reden's  letter  enclosed  an  extract 
from  a  Prussian  newspaper,  giving  an  account  of  the  striking 
effect  of  Elizabeth  Fry's  visit  to  the  great  prison  of  Jauer. 

A  few  weeks  later,  an  excellent  letter  was  received  from 
Pasteur  Feldner — the  chaplain  of  this  prison — by  which  it 
was  evident  that  Elizabeth  Fry's  Christian  ministrations  had 
been  blessed  to  the  spiritual  good  of  many.  A  hundred-and- 
three  Bibles,  and  a  hundred-and-twelve  Prayer-books,  had 
been  purchased  by  the  poor  prisoners  at  the  price  of  much 
self-denial,  out  of  their  small  earnings  ;  besides  many  copies 
of  the  Scriptures  and  tracts  having  been  gratuitously  dis- 
tributed amongst  them. 

Elizabeth  Fry  had  also  a  great  number  of  letters,  asking  for 
assistance  or  advice,  and  requiring  more  time  and  thought 
than  she  had  power  to  give.  The  liberality  of  her  brothers, 
and  some  of  her  other  relatives,  enabled  her  to  administer  to 


592  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1841. 

the  claims  and  distresses  of  many  persons,  in  a  manner  which 
would  have  been  otherwise  impossible.  She  was,  at  this 
period,  much  with  her  own  family,  welcoming  them  to  Upton 
Lane,  or  paying  little  visits  at  their  respective  houses.  A 
small  but  commodious  close  carriage,  given  to  her  by  her 
faithful  brother  Joseph  John  Gurney,  and  kept  for  her  own 
particular  use,  afforded  her  the  power  of  moving  easily 
about,  and  greatly  added  to  the  comfort  of  her  declining 
years. 

She  shortly  afterwards  visited  Norfolk,  and  from  Lynn 
she  writes : — 

Tenth  Month,  21a£. — I  yesterday  received  a  letter  from 
iny  husband,  saying  that  my  dearest  brother  Joseph  was 
married  to  Eliza  P.  Kirkbride,  on  Fifth-day  the  21st.  On 
the  morning  of  their  marriage,  my  heart  was  poured  forth 
in  prayers  and  tears  on  their  behalf,  that  the  blessing  of  the 
Most  High  might  rest  upon  them. 

About  ten  days  afterwards,  Elizabeth  Fry  visited  Earlham. 
In  reference  to  it,  she  wrote  : — 

Warley  Lodge,  5th. — We  had  a  most  satisfactory  visit,  and 
parting  from  Earlham  and  my  beloved  brother  Joseph.  His 
dear  wife  met  me  as  a  sister,  and  was  most  kind  to  us  all. 
We  had  a  very  interesting  Sabbath.  I  accompanied  them  to 
Meeting  in  the  morning,  wishing  to  be  with  Eliza,  at  her  first 
entry  to  Norwich  as  Joseph's  wife.  Our  Meeting  was  very 
solemn,  many  very  dear  to  us  there.  My  brother  spoke  first, 
after  I  had  knelt  down  and  poured  forth  my  heart  in  thanks- 
giving and  prayer,  for  surely  we  had  deep  cause  for  thankful- 
ness for  his  marriage,  our  remarkable  journey,  &c. ;  and 
indeed,  we  may  say,  our  many  great  and  wonderful  deliver- 
ances. I  also  prayed  fpr  a  continuance  of  blessing.  Joseph's 
was  one  of  his  excellent  and  instructive  sermons,  particularly 
on  the  certain  guidance  of  the  Holy  Spirit  of  Truth.  Mine 


1842.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  593 

was  rather  a  song  of  praise  to  our  Lord,  as  "  the  Lamb  of  God 
who  taketh  away  the  sin  of  the  world,"  the  Physician  ef 
value  who  healeth  all  our  diseases,  our  Guide  through  this 
wilderness,  as  a  cloud  by  day  and  a  pillar  of  fire  by  night, 
who  had  brought  some  of  us  through  very  dark  places,  so 
that  through  the  fulness  of  His  love,  "the  wilderness"  had 
become  at  times  as  "Eden,  and  the  desert  as  the  garden  of 
the  Lord,  joy  and  gladness  being  found  therein,  thanksgiving 
and  the  voice  of  melody."  My  sister  Eliza  followed  in  very 
solemn  thanksgiving  to  the  same  purpose.  In  the  evening  we 
had  another  very  interesting  religious  time  together,  in  which 
our  dear  friend  Robert  Hankinson  prayed  for  our  brother 
and  sister,  and  all  of  us. 

Upton,  Twelfth  Month,  5th,  (First-day  morning.) — I 
have  been  favoured  to  be  much  better  the  last  few  days, — far 
more  easy, — thanks  to  my  Heavenly  Father :  though  I  suffer 
still  at  times.  I  look  upon  this  late  indisposition  as  a  very 
privileged  one,  and  have  felt,  and  deeply  feel,  the  mercy  ex- 
tended towards  me,  in  all  my  wants  being  so  wonderfully 
provided  for. 

The  commencement  of  the  year  1842,  was  marked  by  im- 
portant engagements.  Elizabeth  Fry's  health  continued  to 
manifest  symptoms  of  decline,  but  the  fervency  of  her  zeal  to 
procure  relief  to  suffering  fellow-mortals  was  unabated. 
During  the  preceding  autumn,  Sir  John  Pirie  had  been 
elected  Lord  Mayor  of  London.  His  wife  had  been  one  of 
Elizabeth  Fry's  most  valuable  helpers  in  the  cause  of  prison 
reform  ;  and  now,  that  these  estimable  persons,  who  were  re- 
markable for  their  devotedness  to  the  spreading  of  true 
Christian  principle,  were  placed  in  so  prominent  a  station, 
they  were  anxious,  at  every  suitable  opportunity,  to  promote 
an  intercourse  between  Elizabeth  Fry  and  such  persons  of 
influence  and  power,  as  would  be  likely  to  listen  to  her  plans 
of  benevolence,  and  to  render  them  effective.  On  a  public 
occasion,  Sir  John  and  Lady  Pirie  invited  Prince  Albert  and 
75 


594  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1842. 

the  most  prominent  persons  in  the  administration  of  govern- 
ment to  dine  at  the  Mansion  House,  and  they  earnestly 
solicited  the  company  of  Elizabeth  Fry,  in  order  to  afford  an 
opportunity  for  her  bringing  before  those  in  authority  some 
subjects  of  importance,  on  which,  with  her,  they  were  mutu- 
ally interested.  To  yield  to  this  pressing  invitation  involved 
a  serious  responsibility.  She  fervently  desired  to  act  rightly  ; 
and  she  says,  "  I  feel  it  a  very  weighty  matter  for  my  body, 
mind,  and  spirit :  and  do  very  earnestly  crave  direction  and 
preservation  in  it,  that  if  I  go  my  way  may  be  made  very 
plain,  and  that  my  Lord  may  be  with  me  there." 

First  Month,  Ylth. — Be  pleased,  oh  Lord,  to  be  very  near 
to  us  this  day,  and  help  us  to  adorn  Thy  doctrine,  and  to 
speak  the  right  thing  in  the  right  way,  that  the  cause  of 
truth,  righteousness,  and  mercy,  may  be  promoted  ! 

18iA,  (Third-day.} — Through  condescending  mercy  I 
may  say  I  found  this  prayer  answered.  I  had  an  important 
conversation  on  a  female  prison  being  built,  with  Sir  James 
Graham,  our  present  Secretary  of  State  ;  upon  the  Patronage 
Society,  &c.  I  think  it  was  a  very  important  beginning  with 
him  for  our  British  Society.  With  Lord  Aberdeen,  Foreign 
Secretary,  I  spoke  on  some  matters  connected  wkh  the  pre- 
sent state  of  the  Continent.  With  Lord  Stanley,  our  Colonia . 
Secretary,  upon  the  state  of  our  penal  colonies,  and  the  con- 
dition of  the  women  in  them,  hoping  to  open  the  door  for 
further  communication  with  him  on  these  subjects.  Nearly 
the  whole  dinner  was  occupied  in  deeply  interesting  conver- 
sation with  Prince  Albert  and  Sir  Robert  Peel.  With  the 
Prince,  I  spoke  very  seriously  upon  the  Christian  education 
of  their  children,  the  management  of  the  nursery,  the  infinite 
importance  of  a  holy  and  religious  life ;  how  I  had  seen  it  in 
all  ranks  of  life ;  no  real  peace  or  prosperity  without  it. 
Then  the  state  of  Europe ;  the  advancement  of  religion  in 
the  Continental  Courts.  Then  prisons ;  their  present  state  in 
this  country — my  fear  that  our  punishments  were  becoming 


1842.]  LIFE   OF  ELIZABETH   FRY.  595 

too  severe — my  wish  that  the  Queen  should  be  informed  of 
some  particulars  respecting  separate  confinement,  &c.,  &c. 
We  also  had  much  interesting  conversation  about  my  jour- 
neys, the  state  of  Europe,  habits  of  countries,  mode  of  living, 
&c.,  &c.  With  Sir  Robert  Peel,  I  dwelt  much  more  on  the 
prison  subject ;  I  expressed  my  fears  that  gaolers  had  too 
much  power,  that  punishment  was  rendered  uncertain,  and 
often  too  severe — pressed  upon  him  the  need  of  mercy,  and 
begged  him  to  see  the  New  Prison,  and  to  have  the  dark  cells 
a  little  altered. 

Elizabeth  Fry  availed  herself  of  this  opportunity  to  ex- 
plain our  religious  principles  in  reference  to  worship,  prayer, 
&c. ;  and  the  reasons  for  her  not  uniting,  or  rising,  at  the 
giving  out  of  toasts,  against  which  she  bore  a  decided  testi- 
mony. 

The  King  of  Prussia  visited  London  during  the  first  month 
of  this  year,  and  by  his  particular  request,  Elizabeth  Fry 
met  him  at  the  Mansion  House,  between  the  times  of  public 
worship  on  First-day  the  30th.  They  partook  of  a  luncheon 
provided  by  the  Lord  Mayor,  who,  to  prevent  needless  labour 
on  that  day,  had  chiefly  a  cold  collation  for  his  guests,  and, 
by  Elizabeth  Fry's  special  request,  allowed  of  no  toasts.  Of 
this  important  visit  she  writes  as  follows : — 

3CM,  First-day. — I  felt  low  and  far  from  well  when  I  set 
off  this  morning  for  London ;  but,  through  the  tender  mercy 
of  my  God,  soon  after  sitting  down  in  Meeting,  I  partook  of 
much  peace.  I  was  humbled  before  my  Lord  in  the  remem- 
brance of  days  that  are  past,  when  I  used  to  attend  that 
Meeting  (Gracechurch-street),  almost  heart-broken  from 
sorrow  upon  sorrow,  and  I  remembered  how  the  Lord  sus- 
tained me,  and  made  my  way  in  the  deep  waters.  lie  also 
raised  me  up,  and  then  He  forsook  me  not.  I  was  enabled 
very  earnestly  to  pray  to  my  God  for  help,  direction  and 
preservation. 

After  this  solemn  and  refreshing  Meeting,  we  went  to  the 


506  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1842. 

Mansion  House.  We  waited  some  time  in  the  drawing-room 
before  the  King  arrived  from  "  St.  Paul's"  Cathedral.  I  have 
seldom  seen  any  person  more  faithfully  kind  and  friendly 
than  he  is.  The  Duke  of  Cambridge  was  also  there,  and 
many  others  who  accompanied  the  King.  We  had  much 
deeply  interesting  conversation  on  various  important  subjects 
of  mutual  interest. 

At  the  Mansion  House,  the  King  of  Prussia  arranged  to 
meet  Elizabeth  Fry  the  following  morning  at  Newgate,  and 
afterwards  to  take  luncheon  at  Upton  Lane. 

Second  Month,  1st  (Third-day}. — Yesterday  was  a  day 
never  to  be  forgotten  whilst  memory  lasts.  We  set  off  about 
eleven  o'clock,  my  sister  Gurney  and  myself,  to  meet  the 
King  of  Prussia  at  Newgate.  I  proceeded  with  the  Lady 
Mayoress  to  Newgate,  where  we  were  met  by  many  gentle- 
men. My  dear  brother  and  sister  Gurney,  and  Susanna 
Corder  being  with  me,  was  a  great  comfort.  We  waited  so 
long  for  the  King  that  I  feared  he  would  not  come ;  how- 
ever, at  last  he  arrived,  and  the  Lady  Mayoress  and  I, 
accompanied  by  the  Sheriffs,  went  to  meet  the  King  at  the 
door  of  the  prison.  He  appeared  much  pleased  to  meet  our 
little  party,  and  after  taking  a  little  refreshment,  he  gave  me 
his  arm,  and  we  proceeded  into  the  prison  and  up  to  one  of 
the  long  wards,  where  every  thing  was  prepared  ;  the  poor 
women  round  the  table,  about  sixty  of  them,  many  of  our 
Ladies'  Committee,  and  some  others  ;  also  numbers  of  gen- 
tlemen following  the  King,  Sheriffs,  &c.  I  felt  deeply,  but 
quiet  in  spirit — fear  of  man  much  removed.  After  we  were 
seated,  the  King  on  my  right  hand,  the  Lady  Mayoress  on 
the  left,  I  expressed  my  desire  that  the  attention  of  none, 
particularly  the  poor  prisoners,  might  be  diverted  from  at- 
tending to  our  reading  by  the  company  there,  however 
interesting,  but  that  we  should  remember  that  the  King  of 
Kings  and  Lord  of  Lords  was  present,  in  whose  fear  we 
should  abide,  and  seek  to  profit  by  what  we  heard.  I  then 


1842.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  597 

read  the  12th  chapter  of  Romans.  I  dwelt  on  the  mercie8 
of  God  being  the  strong  inducement  to  serve  Him,  and  no 
longer  to  be  conformed  to  this  world.  Then  I  finished  the 
chapter,  afterwards  impressing  our  all  being  members  of  one 
body,  poor  and  rich,  high  and  low,  all  one  in  Christ,  and 
members  one  of  another.  I  then  related  the  case  of  a  poor 
prisoner,  who  appeared  truly  converted,  and  who  became 
such  a  holy  example ;  then  I  enlarged  on  love,  and  forgiving 
one  another,  showing  how  Christians  must  love  their  enemies, 
&c.,  &c.  After  a  solemn  pause,  to  my  deep  humiliation,  and 
in  the  cross,  I  believed  it  my  duty  to  kneel  down  before  this 
most  curious,  interesting,  and  mixed  company,  for  I  felt  that 
my  God  must  be  served  the  same  everywhere,  and  amongst 
all  people,  whatever  reproach  it  brought  me  into.  I  first 
prayed  for  the  conversion  of  prisoners  and  sinners  generally, 
that  a  blessing  might  rest  on  the  labours  of  those  in  authority, 
as  well  as  the  more  humble  labourers  for  their  conversion  ; 
next  I  prayed  for  the  King  of  Prussia,  his  Queen,  his  king- 
dom, that  it  might  be  more  and  more  as  the  city  set  on  the 
hill  that  could  not  be  hid,  that  true  religion  in  its  purity, 
simplicity,  and  power,  might  more  and  more  break  forth,  and 
that  every  cloud  that  obscured  it  might  be  removed ;  then 
for  us  all,  that  we  might  be  of  the  number  of  the  redeemed, 
and  eventually  unite  with  them  in  heaven,  in  a  never-ending 
song  of  praise.  I  only  mention  the  subjects,  but  by  no 
means  the  words.  The  King  then  again  gave  me  his  arm, 
and  we  walked  down  together ;  there  were  difficulties  raised 
about  his  going  to  Upton,  but  he  chose  to  persevere.  I  went 
with  the  Lady  Mayoress  and  the  Sheriffs,  the  King  with  his 
own  people.  We  arrived  first,  I  had  to  hasten  to  take  off 
my  cloak,  and  then  went  down  to  meet  him  at  his  carriage- 
door,  with  my  husband,  and  seven  of  our  sons  and  sons-in- 
law.  I  then  walked  with  him  into  the  drawing-room,  where 
all  was  in  beautiful  order — neat,  and  adorned  with  flowers : 
I  presented  to  the  King  our  eight  daughters  and  daughters- 
in-law,  (Rachel  only  away,)  our  seven  sons  and  eldest  grand- 


598  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1842. 

son,  my  brother  and  sister  Buxton,  Sir  Henry  and  Lady 
Pelly,  and  my  sister,  Elizabeth  Fry — my  brother  and  sister 
Gurney  he  had  known  before — and  afterwards  presented 
twenty-five  of  our  grandchildren.  We  had  a  solemn  silence 
before  our  meal,  which  was  handsome  and  fit  for  a  King,  yet 
not  extravagant — everything  most  complete  and  nice.  I  sat 
by  the  King,  who  appeared  to  enjoy  his  dinner,  perfectly  at 
his  ease,  and  very  happy  with  us.  We  went  into  the  draw- 
ing-room after  another  solemn  silence,  and  a  few  words  which 
I  uttered  in  prayer  for  the  King  and  Queen.  We  found  a 
deputation  of  Friends  with  an  address  to  read  to  him — this 
was  done ;  the  King  appeared  to  feel  it  much.  We  then 
had  to  part. 

The  King  expressed  his  desire  that  blessings  might  con 
tinue  to  rest  on  our  house. 

Throughout  these  engagements  on  this  eventful  day,  the 
religious  services,  and  the  deportment,  of  this  dedicated 
handmaid  of  the  Lord,  were  truly  such  as  adorned  her  high 
Christian  profession,  and  honoured  the  weighty  truths  that 
she  was  led  to  espouse. 

Ujpton,  Third  Month,  1.5th. — My  son  and  daughter  Cress- 
well,  and  several  of  their  children  are  staying  here;  their 
little  Gurney  just  going  into  the  navy.  It  greatly  oppresses 
me  in  spirit,  I  so  perfectly  object  to  war  on  Christian  prin- 
ciples ;  it  is  so  a"wful  in  its  devastating  effects,  naturally, 
morally,  and  spiritually. 

The  arrangement  made  for  this  grandson  was  a  cause  of 
great  sorrow  to  Elizabeth  Fry.  She  deeply  disapproved  of 
a  warlike  course,  and  its  spirit  was  opposed  to  every  feeling 
of  her  heart. 

Upton,  Fifth  Month,  8th. — On  Third-day,  the  Lady  May- 
oress and  I  paid  interesting  and  satisfactory  visits  to  the 
Queen  Dowager,  the  Duchess  of  Kent,  and  the  Duchess  of 


1842.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  599 

Gloucester.  I  went  with  my  heart  lifted  up  for  help,  and 
strength,  and  direction,  that  the  visits  might  prove  useful, 
that  I  might  drop  the  word  in  season,  and  that  I  might  my- 
self be  kept  humble,  watchful,  and  faithful  to  my  Lord.  I 
have  fears  for  myself  in  visiting  palaces,  rather  than  prisons, 
and  going  after  the  rich,  rather  than  the  poor ;  lest  my  eyes 
should  become  blinded,  or  I  should  fall  away,  in  any  thing, 
from  the  simple,  pure  standard  of  truth  and  righteousness. 
We  first  called  on  the  Duchess  of  Kent,  and  had  interesting 
conversation  about  our  dear  young  Queen,  Prince  Albert, 
and  their  little  ones.  We  spoke  of  my  foreign  journey — the 
King  of  the  Belgians,  and  other  matters.  I  desired,  wherever 
I  could,  to  throw  in  a  hint  of  a  spiritual  kind,  and  was 
enabled  to  do  it.  I  gave  the  Duchess  some  papers,  with  a 
note  to  Prince  Albert,  requesting  him  to  lay  the  suffering 
state  of  the  Waldenses,  from  their  fresh  persecutions,  before 
the  Queen.  We  next  visited  the  Queen  Dowager,  and  met 
her  sister,  and  the  Duchess  of  Saxe  Weimar,  and  her  chil- 
dren. We  had  a  very  satisfactory  time,  much  lively  and 
edifying  conversation  upon  the  state  of  religion  in  Europe, 
particularly  amongst  the  higher  classes,  and  the  great  ad- 
vancement of  late  years,  in  the  conduct  and  conversation 
of  the  great  of  this  world. 

Through  all  these  varied  engagements,  she  maintained  a 
close  and  jealous  watch  over  her  own  spirit  and  conduct,  as 
the  following  entry,  made  soon  after  these  visits,  evidences : — 

"  How  blind  are  we  to  ourselves,  so  that  neither  nations, 
churches,  nor  individuals,  see  in  themselves  the  symptoms  of 
decay,  visible  to  all  around !  the  pride  which  leads  to  break 
the  law  of  God,  leads  to  this  self-flattery."  I  have  felt  much 
warning  and  instruction  in  these  words  ;  they  lead  to  the 
prayer,  "  0  Lord,  open  Thou  mine  eyes,  lest  I  sleep  the 
sleep  of  death  !"  and  lest  the  light  that  is  in  me  become 
darkness ! 


600  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1842. 

Elizabeth  Fry's  health  continuing  in  an  infirm  and  suffer- 
ing state,  although  better  than  during  the  winter,  some 
change  appeared  necessary,  with  absence  from  the  continual 
tide  of  London  engagements.  Her  brother-in-law,  Hoare, 
offered  the  loan  of  his  house  at  Cromer,  a  commodious  and 
agreeable  residence  on  the  top  of  the  cliff,  commanding  fine 
sea  views. 

This  offer  was  gladly  accepted,  and  she  was,  amid  various 
causes  of  sorrow,  cheered  by  the  kindness  and  affection  of 
many  whom  she  had  long  loved.  Her  sister,  Catharine 
Gurney,  was  with  them  at  the  Cliff  House  ;  she  saw  much  of 
the  beloved  residents  at  Northrepps  Hall.  Northrepps  Cot- 
tage, Sherringham,  and  Cromer  Hall,  were  also  points  of 
light  on  the  landscape — two  months  thus  passed  away. 

{On  the  Journey,}  Seventh  Month.— I  have  been  poorly 
part  of  every  night,  or  early  in  the  morning,  since  I  left 
Upton,  so  as  to  feel  discouraged  and  flat  at  being  so  far  from 
home  ;  but  I  desire  to  trust  entirely.  I  have  sought  to  have 
my  stoppings  directed  by  Him,  who  knows  what  is  best  for 
us.  I  have  not  felt  a  will  in  these  arrangements,  and  I  desire 
to  leave  all  to  Him  who  orders  all  things  well.  I  at  times 
feel,  particularly  at  night,  so  sunk,  that  I  am  ready  to  appre- 
hend my  natural  powers  are  really  failing.  I  occasionally 
ask,  in  pj ayer,  for  passing  revival  from  my  states  of  suffering, 
which  prayers  are  often  remarkably  granted ;  but  I  am  not 
disposed  really  to  ask  for  prolonged  life,  because  I  fear  lest, 
like  Hezekiah,  I  should  live  to  transgress  before  the  Lord. 
I  have  probably  an  undue  fear  of  an  imbecile  or  childish 
state,  and  becoming  a  burden  to  others ;  at  the  same  time,  the 
idea  of  life  being  continued  to  me  is  pleasant,  and  the  fear  of 
death  and  the  grave,  to  my  nature  great ;  not  that  I  fear  for 
the  everlasting  state,  although  this  confidence  arises  from  no 
trust  in  any  thing  in  myself,  but  faith  in  the  mercy  of  God 
in  Christ,  who  tasted  death  for  every  man ;  and  a  full  belief 
that  the  tender  mercy  of  my  God  is  over  all  His  works ;  and, 


1842.]  _  -  J  E    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  601 

unworthy  as  I  am,  that  through  His  mercy,  He  will  not  cast 
me  out  of  His  presence,  (which  I  delight  in,)  nor  shut  up 
His  tender  mercies  from  me. 

Cromer,  Seventh  Month,  6th. — Here  I  am,  in  what  was  my 
dearest  sister  Hoare's  little  room,  looking  on  the  sea ;  but 
poorly  after  my  journey ;  feeling  the  air  almost  too  cold  for 
me  :  but  I  am  favoured  to  be  quiet  and  trustful  in  spirit,  and 
desire  to  leave  all  things  to  Him,  who  only  knows  what  is 
best  for  me.  My  sister  Catharine  being  with  us,  and  my 
brother  Joseph  and  his  Eliza,  and  dear  Anna,  near  to  us,  is 
very  pleasant,  and  our  dear  brother  and  sister  Buxton  and 
Richenda  being  still  at  Northrepps. 

Every  week  was  marked  by  slow  but  steady  'increase  in 
strength.  But  her  amendment  was  retarded  by  anxiety  on 
account  of  a  daughter,  then  ill  in  the  Isle  of  Wight.  To 
this  daughter,  who  was  under  much  trial,  she  wrote : — 

I  am  not  very  well  to-day,  but  have  not  by  any  means  lost 
the  ground  I  had  gained,  though  your  trials  appear  to  have 
brought  me  some  steps  back.  If,  in  the  ordering  of  Provi- 
dence, things  shall  be  brighter,  I  think  I  should  rally  again ; 
but  I  desire  to  have  my  will  given  up  to  the  will  of  Him  who 
knows  what  is  best  for  us  all,  and  earnestly  desire  to  be  very 
thankful  that  our  trials  are  not  of  a  deeper  dye ;  and  being, 
as  far  as  I  know,  brought  on  us  by  Infinite  Wisdom,  I  do 
not  feel  them  like  those  produced  by  the  exquisite  suffering 
of  sin. 

I  am,  thy  loving,  sympathizing,  and  yet  hopeful  mother 

E.  F. 

The  plan  that  had,  in  the  winter  of  1830,  been  projected 
for  the  placing  of  her  eldest  grandson  in  the  array,  to  which, 
as  before  noticed,  Elizabeth  Fry  had  so  strongly  objected, 
was  now  again  revived :  it  occasioned  her  much  grief,  but 
having  used  her  utmost  influence  to  prevent  the  arrangement, 
76 


602  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    1   *. '  .  [184L. 

she  felt  she  must  leave  the  matter  to  those  on  vrhom  the  se- 
rious responsibility  rested.     In  reference  to  it  she  writes : — 

Seventh  Month,  1.4th  (First-day}. — I  have  deeply  and 
sorrowfully  felt  our  grandson  Frank's  going  into  the  army. 
I  truly  have  tried  to  prevent  it,  but  must  now  leave  it  all  to 
my  Lord,  who  can,  if  .He  see  meet,  bring  good  out  of  that 
which  I  feel  to  be  evil. 

Eighth  Month,  14th  (First-day).  I  have  felt  the  weight 
of  undertaking  to  establish  a  library  and  room  for  the  fisher- 
men, and  something  of  a  friendly  society,  as  in  my  tender 
state  the  grasshopper  becomes  a  burdon.  I  was  encouraged 
however  in  the  night  by  these  words,  "  Stedfast,  immoveable, 
always  abounding  in  the  work  of  the  Lord."  In  weakness 
and  in  strength,  we  must,  as  ability  is  granted,  abound  in  the 
work  of  the  Lord.  May  our  labour  not  be  in  vain  in  Him  ! 
I  have  had  very  comforting  accounts  from  Denmark — our 
representations  attended  to  respecting  the  prisons,  and  likely 
to  have  much  good  done  in  them  :  also  from  Prussia.  Surely 
our  Lord  has  greatly  blessed  some  of  our  poor  efforts  for  the 
good  of  our  fellow-mortals. 

From  the  feebleness  of  the  mortal  tenement,  and  from 
various  circumstances  that  severely  tested  her  remaining 
bodily  powers,  Elizabeth  Fry  was  often  oppressed  by  the 
sinkings  of  nature.  Yet  her  spirit  was,  at  times,  greatly 
revived  by  her  continuing  to  receive  these  cheering  tidings 
of  the  blessing  that  had  rested  on  her  labours  of  various 
kinds,  both  in  her  own  and  other  lands.  In  Denmark,  where 
the  reader  may  have  remarked  how  sad  were  the  state  and 
arrangements  of  the  prisons,  great  and  highly  beneficial 
changes  were,  in  consequence  of  her  intercession,  speedily 
effected  with  the  express  sanction  of  the  King.  New  build- 
ings had  been  added,  by  which  a  salutary  classification  waa 
secured,  employment  had  been  provided,  and  apparatus  sup- 
plied, by  which  the  cells  had  been  comfortably  warmed 
during  the  winter  season.  In  one  great  establishment,  women 


1842.]  LIFE   OF  ELIZABETH   FRY,  603 

had  been  placed  over  the  female  prisoners,  and  efforts  were 
in  progress  to  introduce  the  same  mode  of  supervision  in  the 
other  prisons,  also  fully  to  furnish  all  with  Bibles,  Testa- 
ments, Psalters,  and  other  religious  books.  Committees  of 
pious  and  devoted  persons,  who  were  willing  to  visit  these 
receptacles  of  crime,  and  to  labour  for  the  reformation  of  their 
unhappy  inmates,  were  organized  with  the  cordial  approba- 
tion of  the  King,  who,  in  reference  to  them  says,  in  reply  to 
an  address,  "  We  have  heard,  with  the  greatest  satisfaction, 
of  the  desire  of  benevolent  individuals  to  unite  together  to 
form  a  Prison  Committee,  whose  object  should  be  the  moral 
improvement  of  the  prisoners,  and  their  employment,  and 
return  to  society  on  obtaining  their  freedom:  therefore,  we 
gladly  give  an  opportunity  to  the  members  of  this  Committee, 
by  means  of  visits  and  the  distribution  of  religious  and  other 
fitting  books,  to  exercise  a  good  influence  on  the  prisoners." 

The  Countess  Reden  transmitted  to  Elizabeth  Fry  a  most 
gratifying  account  of  the  successful  labours  of  her  excellent 
Christian  friend,  the  Pasteur  Feldner ;  through  whose  instru- 
mentality, a  most  marked  change  had  been  wrought  in  many 
of  the  prisoners  under  his  care.  The  erection  of  four  new 
Penitentiaries  had  been  commenced  in  Prussia ;  one  in  Berlin, 
another  at  Miinster,  a  third  in  Silesia,  and  the  fourth  in 
Konigsberg.  They  were  constructed  on  the  most  approved 
plans,  under  the  special  direction  of  the  King. 

From  Dusseldorf,  Elizabeth  Fry  received  very  satisfactory 
reports  of  the  great  improvements  effected  in  the  prison  there ; 
and  of  the  establishment  of  an  asylum,  near  that  city,  for 
young  girls  dismissed  from  the  jail  and_evincing  repentance, 
where,  says  the  lady  who  addressed  Elizabeth  Fry  on  the 
subject,  "  under  the  guidance  of  an  excellent  monitor,  they 
obtain  instruction  in  every  work  required  of  a  good  servant." 
"  This  establishment,"  adds  the  lady,  "is  in  such  good  repute, 
that  as  soon  as  they  are  qualified  to  go  into  service,  the  op- 
portunity is  never  wanting  for  it.  We  hear  many  instances 
of  their  behaving  well,  and  leading  good  lives.  The  best 


604  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY,  r!842. 

proof  of  the  good  effects  of  our  asylum  is,  that  in  the  two 
years  of  its  existence,  none  dismissed  from  thence  have  been 
committed  again." 

The  Christian  beneficence  of  the  late  excellent  Queen  of 
Hanover,  who  had  so  humanely  listened  to  Elizabeth  Fry's 
solicitations  on  behalf  of  the  wretched  prisoners  at  Hameln, 
as  to  mediate  successfully  with  the  King  her  husband,  and 
to  procure  the  release  of  several  hundreds  of  poor  creatures 
from  the  heavy  irons  and  chains  by  which  they  were  fetter- 
ed, was  also  a  source  of  encouragement  and  consolation  to 
her  compassionate  spirit,  which  so  tenderly  sympathised 
with  every  form  of  human  suffering.  Her  gracious  Lord,  to 
whose  service  she  had,  with  steadfast  faith,  devoted  herself  and 
every  faculty  with  which  she  was  endowed,  had  thus  evidently 
condescended  greatly  to  prosper  the  work  of  her  hands. 

The  indisposition  that  now  prostrated  her  strength,  and 
deprived  her  of  the  power  to  unite  with  her  fellow-labourers 
of  the  Prison  Committee,  did  not  prevent  her  from  cherish- 
ing an  unabated  interest  in  the  work.  The  following  note, 
addressed  to  the  members  of  that  association  is  so  charac- 
teristic, that  it  deserves  insertion. 

I  truly  feel  for  you  all,  my  beloved  friends,  who  have  now 
to  bear  the  burden  and  heat  of  the  day.  May  grace  be 
granted  you,  and  help  from  above,  that  you  may  be  strength- 
ened for  your  important  work,  and  may  your  way  be  made 
plain  before  you ;  and  may  our  Heavenly  Father  undertake 
for  us  in  this  weighty  matter,  and  lead  us  to  the  right 
parties  to  send  abroad,  as  matrons  in  the  convict-ships,  who 
may  be  a  blessing  to  those  they  go  amongst,  and  be  kept  and 
blessed  themselves !  I  long  to  hear  from  thee,  or  one  of 
you,  again,  and  hope  I  may  one  day  be  enabled  again  to 
take  a  labouring  oar.  Farewell,  in  much  true  love  and 
sympathy,  to  thyself  and  all  thy  fellow-labourers. 

I  am,  very  affectionately,  thy  friend, 
ELIZABETH  FRY. 

This  letter  is  dated  Cromer,  Eighth  Month,  2(M,  1842. 


1842.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  605 

Two  very  suitable  persons  were  subsequently  recommended 
by  the  Committee,  and  appointed  by  Government,  to  the 
arduous  and  important  office  of  matrons  in  the  Garland 
Grove.  Before  their  embarkation  the  following  admirable 
letter  was  written  by  Elizabeth  Fry  to  Catherine  Fraser  :— 

Cromer,  Eighth  Month,  Zith,  1842. 
My  Beloved  Friend, 

Thy  note  received  to-day  has  been  a  real  comfort  to  me ; 
the  post  brought  some  'sorrows,  and  thy  note  brought  weight 
in  the  other  scale ;  but  I  have  sat  at  home  weeping,  as  I  did 
not  feel  much  inclined  to  meet  a  delightful  party  of  brothers, 
sisters,  &c.,  at  my  brother  Buxton's,  but  rather  to  sit  alone, 
and  look  to  my  own  vineyard,  and  my  own  very  deep  interests 
in  my  family  and  my  beloved  friends,  and  for  the  causes  that 
are  near  my  heart.  I  humbly  thank  our  Heavenly  Father, 
who  has  regarded  our  very  unworthy  prayers,  and  raised  up 
those  that  we  trust  may  be  suitable  in  the  convict-ship,  and 
helpful  in  the  colony ;  may  grace  and  wisdom  from  above  be 
poured  forth  upon  them ;  may  they  remember  that  the  servants 
of  the  Lord  must  prove  their  faith  more  by  conduct,  than 
word  or  profession ;  they  must  avoid  anything  like  religious 
cant,  if  I  may  so  express  myself,  and  in  an  upright,  holy, 
self-denying,  and  watchful  deportment,  be  preachers  of  right- 
eousness, and  prove  who  it  is  that  they  believe  in,  serve, 
and  obey.  I  am  often  inexpressibly  bowed,  and  brought 
low  in  spirit,  when  I  look  at  the  standard  and  holy  example 
of  our  blessed  Lord,  and  then  behold  my  own  short-coming. 
I  long  for  a  closer  walk  with  God,  for  myself,  and  all  that  I 
love;  and  that,  through  the  help  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  we 
should  more  constantly  prove  our  love  to  Him  who  died  for 
us  and  hath  loved  us  with  an  everlasting  love.  Pray  impress 
on  these  matrons,  the  extreme  importance  of  their  prudent 
and  circumspect  conduct,  as  it  respects  the  gentlemen  on 
board ;  and  towards  the-wouien,  the  need  of  sound  discre- 
tion, and  the  meekness  of  wisdom  ;  and  ainon&>t  all,  to  bts 


606  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1842. 

wise  as  serpents,  harmless  as  doves ;  and  to  be  pitiful  and 
courteous.  I  quite  feel  my  indulgent  life,  and  I  am  very 
ready  to  work  when  my  Lord  may  enable  me.  I  do  not 
desire  to  save  myself,  unless  duty  calls  me  to  do  it :  indeed, 
dear  friend,  I  have  always  felt  it  an  honour  I  have  been  un- 
worthy of,  to  do  any  thing  for  my  Lord,  and  to  be  made  an 
instrument  of  good  to  my  fellow-creatures.  I  have  been 
thankful  for  thy  letters,  because  they  have  encouraged  me  to 
hope  that  you  are  not  discouraged,  but  that  the  Spirit  of  our 
God  is  poured  forth  upon  my  beloved  friends,  to  help  them 
in  this  weighty  and  important  work,  and  to  make  them  will- 
ing to  labour  in  this  service,  and  for  the  good  of  their  poor 
fellow-mortals.  My  dear  love  to  all  our  sisters  in  this  ser- 
vice ;  and  J  am  truly,  in  gospel  bonds', 

Thy  attached  Friend, 

ELIZABETH  FRY. 

The  appointment  of  these  matrons  was  justly  regarded  by 
Elizabeth  Fry,  and  her  fellow-labourers  as  a  step  of  the  ut- 
most importance.  It  mitigates  most  materially  the  evils 
attendant  upon  the  transportation  of  females.  Objections 
had  been  urged  to  the  measure  in  former  years,  but  now  it 
was  clearly  admitted  that  none  were  so  fit  to  have  charge  of 
these  unhappy  women,  as  persons  of  their  own  sex,  if  such 
could  be  found  who,  influenced  by  right  motives,  and  pos- 
sessing the  requisite  qualifications,  were  willing  to  encounter 
the  privations  and  perils  of  a  long  voyage  in  such  society. 

Northrepps  Hall,  Ninth  Month,  ~L8th. — I  exceedingly  value 
the  company  of  so  many  of  my  most  tenderly  beloved  bro- 
thers and  sisters,  and  other  near  and  dear  relations,  so  many 
nephews  and  nieces,  and  others  also.  How  I  wish  that  I 
upheld  amongst  these  tenderly-beloved  ones  a  more  holy 
example.  I  do  not  often  apprehend  it  my  place  to  speak 
much  of  spiritual  things  ;  but  I  most  truly  desire  constantly 
to  uphold»the  Christian  standard,  in  an  humble  and  watchful 
walk  before  the  Lord,  and  before  my  fellow-mortals. 


1842.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  607 

25th,  (First-day.} — I  have  not  enough  dwelt  upon  the 
extraordinary  kindness  of  our  dear  brother  and  sister  Buxton 
and  their  children  to  us,  at  this  time,  truly  humbling  to  me, 
a  poor  unworthy  worm  of  the  dust ;  also  my  dear  brother 
Hoare,  and  all  that  family — such  a  sweet  renewal  of  love 
amongst  us.  How  blessed  and  how  sweet  is  love,  and  how 
delightful  to  believe  that  it  has,  in  measure,  the  Heavenly 
stamp  upon  it.  Our  dearest  sister  Catharine  left  Cromer 
yesterday, — quite  a  loss  to  us ;  her  kindness  has  been  great 
indeed. 

Oromer,  Tenth  Month,  23rd. — Perhaps  the  last  journal  I 
may  ever  write  in  this  place,  as  to-morrow  we  mean  to  depart 
for  Lynn.  Yesterday,  I  was  very  much  affected  and  touched 
by  something  that  occurred — it  was  almost  overwhelming. 
We  paid  our  farewell  visit  to  Northrepps.  My  brother  Hoare 
and  his  family  went  also ;  and  at  our  beloved  Fowell  and 
Hannah's,  were  Andrew  and  Priscilla  Johnston,  Edward, 
and  Catharine,  and  Richenda  Buxton.  After  dinner,  Gurney 
Hoare  brought  me  a  beautiful  piece  of  plate,  a  silver  ink- 
stand, and  my  husband  a  Testament,  of  fine  paper  and  print, 
most  beautifully  bound.  They  gave  these  presents  in  the 
kindest  way,  expressing  love  and  gratitude  to  us,  and  saying 
that  dearest  Anna  Gurney  and  those  absent  of  their  families 
united  in  the  present.  I  felt  before  receiving  it,  that  I  had 
been  unduly  loaded  with  gifts  and  kindness.  My  spirit  was 
humbled,  and  really  bowed  within  me,  under  a  deep  feeling 
of  unworthiness  at  these  proofs  of  love.  My  Lord  only 
knows  my  sense  of  it ;  a  poor,  weak,  unprofitable  servant  as 
I  am,  that  He  should  thus  put  it  into  the  hearts  of  His  ser- 
vants to  show  so  much  love  and  pity  to  me,  in  my  poor,  low, 
weak,  and  unworthy  estate  before  Him.  Gracious  Lord ! 
Thou  knowest  how  little  I  can  do  for  all  these  beloved  ones. 
I  pray  Thee  reward  them  with  spiritual  and  temporal  bless- 
ings ;  and  if  it  be  Thy  will,  let  the  sickly  in  body  be  more 
strengthened  and  restored,  the  sickly  in  soul  healed ;  that 
all  may  be  more  filled  and  satisfied  with  the  unsearchable 
riches  of  Christ. 


G08  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1842. 

On  her  way  home,  she  stayed  at  Lynn  for  a  few  days,  her 
last  visit.  In  describing  her  state  and  habits  whilst  there, 
her  daughter  writes: — 

"  She  was  bright  and  lovely  in  spirit.  She  had  a  wise,  kind  word 
for  all — children,  servants,  dependents.  All  loved  her,  all  felt  that 
her  message  was  not  from  herself,  nor  of  man's  invention :  but  that 
in  her  Master's  name  she  invited  others  to  'love  and  to  good  works.' 
She  condescended  to  all ;  listening  to  the  minutest  details  of  their 
cares  and  pleasures,  was  ready  in  devising  means  for  helping  others, 
not  merely  in  the  great,  but  the  little  things  of  life;  prompt  in  ex- 
pedients, in  the  sick  room,  in  the  nursery  with  an  unmanageable 
child,  or  a  froward  servant." 

Elizabeth  Fry  reached  home  near  the  end  of  Tenth  Month. 
A  heavy  family  affliction  awaited  her  return  to  Upton, 
in  the  illness  and  death  of  a  lovely  little  grand-daughter, 
aged  seven  years.  She  was  much  with  her  children 
during  their  sorrowful  nursing,  sharing  deeply  in  their 
grief.  Her  bereaved  daughter  keenly  suffered  under  this 
chastening  dispensation,  but  was  favoured,  in  a  striking 
manner,  meekly  to  bow  under  it.  Elizabeth  Fry  accom- 
panied her  afflicted  child,  when  committing  to  their  long 
home  the  precious  mortal  remains ;  and,  when  the  mourners 
were  about  to  quit  the  grave-side,  her  gentle  voice  was  heard* 
uttering  the  words,  "  It  is  the  Lord,  let  Him  do  as  seemeth 
Him  good."  One  of  her  family  gives  the  following  interest- 
ing details  : — 

"A  family  party  gathered  in  the  evening:  after  the  fifth  chapter 
of  the  2nd  of  Corinthians  had  been  read,  Elizabeth  Fry  addressed  a 
heart-searching  exhortation  to  her  'children,  grandchildren,  and  all 
the  dearly  beloved  ones  present,'  to  be  ready  '  when  the  next  sum- 
mons should  come' — also  '  thanksgiving  that  the  lamb  taken  was  a 
believing  child,  one  rather  peculiarly  impressed  with  the  fact  of  re- 
demption, and  forgiveness  of  sins  through  Christ;  and  in  practice, 
an  obedient,  gentle-spirited  creature ;  and  according  to  the  measure 
of  so  young  a  child,  unusually  full  of  good  works  and  alms-deeds;  for 
she  gave  much  to  the  poor,  whose  tales  of  woe,  (whether  true  or 


1843.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  609 

false,  she  did  not  stop  to  inquire,)  always  touched  her ;  and  her  good 
marie  money,  which  she  saved  till  it  amounted  to  a  pound,  she  had 
given  to  the  Ceylon  Mission.  Thus,  even  in  so  young  a  child,  did 
the  good  tree  bring  forth  little  blossoms  of  good  fruit,  gone  to 
mature  and  fructify  in  Heaven,  through  Christ  who  died  for  her, 
and  in  whom  she  truly  believed.'  Many  other  things  were  spoken 
by  her  in  ministry  on  this  occasion.  Then  she  offered  for  all  the 
three  generations  present,  a  soul-touching  prayer." 

Upton  Lane,  First  Montfi,  l«f,  1843. — Another  year  is 
closed,  and  passed  never  to  return.  It  appears  to  me  that 
mine  is  rather  a  rapid  d.escent  into  the  valley  of  old  age. 

Second  Month,  6th. — I  am  just  now  much  devoted  to  my 
children  and  all  my  family,  and  attend  very  little-  to  public 
service  of  any  kind.  May  my  God  grant,  that  I  may  not 
hide  my  talents  as  in  a  napkin ;  and  on  the  other  hand,  that 
I  may  not  step  into  services  uncalled  for  at  my  hands.  May 
my  feeble  labours  at  home  be  blessed.  Gracious  Lord,  heal, 
help,  and  strengthen  Thy  poor  servant,  for  Thine  own  ser- 
vice, public  or  private. 

Third  Montfi,  19th. — Met  Lord  Ashley  to  dinner  at  my 
son  William's He  is  a  very  interesting  man ;  de- 
voted to  promoting  the  good  of  mankind,  and  suppressing 
evil — quite  a  Wilberforce,  I  thinjc. 

Fourth  Month,  2nd,  (First-day.)  I  entered  the  last  week 
very  low  in  my  condition,  bodily  and  mentally,  so  much  so, 
that  some  of  my  family  could  hardly  be  reconciled  to  my  at- 
tending the  Quarterly  Meeting.  In  the  select  Meeting  of 
Ministers  and  Elders,  the  subject  of  Unity  was  much  brought 
forward ;  several  spoke  to  it,  and  I  had  to  express  rather 
strongly,  my  belief  that  there  is  a  great  work  going  forward 
in  the  earth,  and  Satan  desires  to  mar  it,  by  separating  the 
Lord's  servants.  I  warned  Friends  upon  this  point,  because 
there  are  diversities  of  gifts,  differences  of  operation  and  ad- 
ministration ;  they  should  not  sit  in  judgment  one  on  another, 
or  condemn  one  another,  or  suppose  they  are  not  of  the  same 
spirit,  and  one  in  the  same  Lord  and  the  same  God. 
77 


610  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1843. 

With  somewhat  of  restored  health,  Elizabeth  Fry  believed 
it  her  duty  once  more  to  visit  the  Continent.  Her  attraction 
was  peculiarly  to  Paris.  Matters  of  importance  that  she 
earnestly  desired  to  have  completed,  awaited  her  attention, 
and  there  appeared  an  opening  beyond  anything  she  had 
known  before,  for  usefulness  in  that  great  capital.  There 
were  Christian  and  benevolent  persons  whom  she  desired  to 
see  again  "in  the  flesh,"  and  build  them  up,  if  enabled,  in 
faith  and  hope.  She  had,  with  the  unity  of  her  friends,  re- 
tained her  certificates,  granted  her  for  her  last  journey.  Her 
brother,  Joseph  John  Gurney,  also  believed  it  his  duty  to 
visit  Paris,  as  part  of  a  more  extended  journey.  His  beloved 
wife  accompanied  him,  and  their  valued  friend,  Josiah  For- 
ster,  united  in  the  engagement.  In  addition  to  these  three 
participators  and  supporters  in  the  various  religious  and  phi- 
lanthropic objects  which  might  open  before  them,  her  eldest 
daughter  went  as  her  mother's  especial  attendant,  to  watch 
over  and  care  for  her  health. 

They  landed  at  Boulogne.  The  voyage  had  been  so  trying 
to  Elizabeth  Fry,  from  a  heavy  rolling  sea,  and  the  weather 
being  cold  and  unfavourable,  that  her  fellow-travellers 
doubted  the  practicability  of  her  pursuing  her  journey.  By 
setting  off  late,  and  resting  an  hour  or  two  in  the  middle  of 
the  day,  she  seemed  revived,  when  at  the  end  of  two  days 
they  arrived  at  Amiens.  Here  the  First-day  was  passed. 
In  the  evening  they  held  a  Meeting  for  worship,  in  the  room 
used  by  the  Protestants  as  their  chapel,  where  a  venerable 
pastor,  eighty  years  of  age,  usually  laboured  among  a  small 
flock  in  the  midst  of  a  large  Roman  Catholic  population. 
Many  of  these  Protestants  were  present ;  their  hearts  appeared 
touched  and  animated  by  the  ministry  on  this  occasion,  which 
tended  to  console  the  discouraged,  and  strengthen  the  feeble- 
minded. 

At  Clermont-en-Oise,  the  female  part  of  the  company 
visited  the  great  central  prison,  containing  more  than  nine 
hundred  women.  It  is  under  the  care  of  a  Superieure  and 
twenty-two  nuns.  No  men  are  ever  allowed  to  enter. 


1843.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  611 

On  first  arriving,  Elizabeth  Fry  had  expressed  a  great 
•vfish  to  see  all  the  nuns,  but  the  Supe'rieure  considered  it 
impossible,  as  they  never  leave  the  women ;  however,  just 
before  quitting  the  prison,  she  was  conducted  into  an  apart- 
ment, around  which  sat,  some  on  chairs,  some  on  extremely 
low  seats,  some  apparently  on  the  floor,  the  twenty-two  nuns 
in  their  grey  dresses,  and  the  lay  sisters  in  black;  placed  in 
the  middle  were  Elizabeth  Fry  and  her  sister,  E.  P.  Gurney, 
the  Supe'rieure  between  them,  holding  E.  Fry  by  the  hand, 
whose  daughter  was  requested  by  the  Superieure  to  interpret 
for  them.  It  was  no  light  or  easy  task  to  convey  exactly  her 
mother's  address,  on  the  deep  importance  of  not  only  main- 
taining good  discipline  among  the  prisoners,  but  endeavour- 
ing to  lead  them,  in  living  faith,  to  Christ,  as  the  only  Mediator 
between  God  and  man,  through  whom  alone  they  could  be 
cleansed  from  the  guilt  and  power  of  sin.  At  His  name  every 
head  bowed.  She  then  went  on  to  tell  of  Newgate,  and 
the  effects  of  the  Gospel  there;  many  tears  were  shed  at 
this  recital.  She  concluded  by  a  lively  exhortation  to  these 
devoted  nuns,  whom  she  could  "  salute  as  sisters  in  Christ," 
to  go  forward  in  their  work,  but  in  no  way  to  rest  upon  it,  as 
in  itself  meritorious.  Here  the  Supe'rieure  interposed,  "Oh 
non,  mais  il  y  a  un  peu  de  merite,  I'homme  a  quelque  merite 
pour  ce  qu'il  fait :"  an  old  nun,  who  understood  English, 
rejoined,  "Ma  mcjre,  Madame  thinks  that  if  the  love  of  God 
does  not  sufficiently  animate  the  heart  to  do  it  without  feeling 
it  a  merit,  or  desiring  reward,  it  falls  short."  "  Ah,  c'est 
bien!  comme  elle  est  bonne!"  replied  the  Supe'rieure. 
Elizabeth  Fry  concluded  by  a  few  words  of  prayer  in  French. 
It  was  a  striking  scene,  and  a  solemn  feeling  pervaded  the 
whole. 

Paris,  (Hotel  Meurice,)  Fourth  Month,  22n</. — We  are 
favoured  to  bo  very  comfortably  settled  here,  and  I  may 
most  thankfully  say,  feel  in  our  right  place,  after  a  time  of 
unusual  conflict  to  my  own  mind. 


612  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1843. 

I  was  little  fit  to  enter  Paris ;  the  day  was  hot,  and  the 
rooms  at  the  hotel  oppressive;  the  noise  of  the  street  so  great, 
that  I  feared,  in  my  poor  state,  I  could  not  support  it,  and 
was  frightened  ahout  myself,  and  felt  as  if  it  were  altogether 
too  much  for  me,  hut  I  revived  towards  evening,  was  favoured 
with  a  peaceful  night,  and  awoke  much  refreshed  and  com- 
forted. Our  beloved  friend,  the  Countess  Pelet  has  been  a 
real  helper  to  me,  quite  a  spiritual  comforter ;  so  encouraging 
as  to  the  time  of  our  visit.  She  expresses  her  belief  of  our 
being  surely  guided  by  a  spirit  within,  safely  leading  us  to 
places  at  the.  right  time.  Others,  really  dear  to  me,  show 
much  faithful  love,  and  they  appear  delighted  to  have  us 
with  them.  On  Fifth-day,  we  attended  the  little  Meeting 
of  Friends  in  the  Faubourg  du  Roule.  The  next  day,  some 
of  our  serious  friends  came  to  us  in  the  evening.  And  the 
following,  we  spent  a  very  agreeable  evening  at  the  Mallets', 
where  there  was,  to  my  feelings,  a  sweet  sense  of  love  and 
peace  over  us,  with  the  numerous  members  of  that  interest 
ing  family. 

I  may  thankfully  say,  I  now  feel  greatly  healed,  and 
helped,  and  encouraged,  although  it  appears  but  little  I  have 
done  for  my  Lord  in  any  way ;  but  I  must  wait  His  time 
and  His  putting  forth,  and  not  enter  anything  in  my  own 
way  and  time. 

Lord !  be  pleased  to  grant,  through  Thy  tender  mercy  in 
Christ  my  Saviour,  that  our  visit  to  this  place  may  be  really 
profitable  to  ourselves,  and  to  those  we  are  come  amongst, 
and  that  it  may  promote  love  and  charity  amongst  Christians 
generally ;  help  to  remove  dependence  on  the  arm  of  man, 
and  to  have  it  placed  on  Thy  arm  of  power,  and  stimulate 
many  more  diligently  to  seek  Thy  kingdom  and  Thy  right- 
eousness— that  some  worldly-minded  wanderers  may  be  led 
to  return,  repent,  and  live — that  some  that  are  dead  may  be 
made  alive  again — and  that  those  that  are  lost  may  be 
found  in  Thy  fold  of  peace  and  safety.  Grant  also,  graci- 
ous Lord !  that  the  great  blessing  of  preservation  may  be 
—'•v,  my  tenderly  beloved  fam'1^  at  home. 


1843.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  613 

On  the  25th,  Elizabeth  Fry  visited,  by  appointment,  the 
Duchess  of  Orleans,  at  the  Tuileries ;  but  finding  some  diffi- 
culty in  fully  conveying  her  meaning,  her  daughter  was  sent 
for  to  interpret,  who,  in  a  letter  to  her  sister,  describes  her- 
self "  ushered  into  an  immense  drawing-room,"  the  size,  and 
heavy  crimson  and  gold  magnificence  of  which,  exceeded 
any  room  she  had  ever  seen. 

''On  a  sofa,  about  half-way  up  the  room  against  the  wall,  was 
seated  Elizabeth  Fry ;  by  her  side  a  young  lady,  in  deep  mourning, 
over  whose  white  and  black  cap,  hung  a  large,  long,  crape  scarf, 
or  veil,  that  reached  the  ground  on  each  side,  her  figure  tall  and 
elegant,  her  face  and  features  small  and  delicate,  her  eyes  blue, 
and  her  complexion  very  fair, — a  lovely  blush  came  and  went  as 
she  spoke.  Opposite  to  her,  on  a  chair,  was  an  elderly  lady,  the 
Grand  Duchess  of  Mecklenburgh,  tier  step-mother,  who  had 
brought  her  up  from  childhood.  These  three  were  the  only  occu- 
pants of  that  vast  apartment.  The  conversation  at  first  was  upon 
the  Duchess  of  Orleans'  affliction.  They  had  each  a  Bible  in 
their  hands.  Elizabeth  Fry  read  a  few  verses,  and  commented  on 
them,  on  affliction  and  its  peaceable  fruits.  They  then  spoke  of 
the  children  of  the  House  of  Orleans,  and  the  importance  of  their 
education,  and  early  foundation  in  real  Christian  faith ;  the  Grand 
Duchess  of  Mecklenburgh,  an  eminently  devoted,  pious  woman, 
deeply  responded  to  these  sentiments.  It  was  an  hour-and-a-half 
before  this  interesting  conversation  came  to  a  close." 

The  following  First-day,  after  attending  their  own  little 
Meeting,  a  large  public  one  was  held  in  the  Methodist 
chapel ;  it  was  a  very  solemn  one.  J.  J.  Gurney  spoke  well 
in  French,  Elizabeth  Fry  through  an  excellent  interpreter. 

In  the  evening  of  the  next  day,  they  gathered  round 
them  a  very  singular  party,  about  thirty  persons  of  colour, 
chiefly  from  Hayti,  the  Isle  of  France,  and  Guadaloupe, 
principally  students  of  law  or  medicine ;  one  a  painter,  who 
had  some  good  pictures  in  the  exhibition. 

The  evening  concluded  with  reading  in  the  Bible.    Eliza- 


614  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1843. 

beth  Fry  addressed  her  auditory  on  the  words  of  Peter,  "  I 
perceive  that  God  is  no  respecter  of  persons;" — Acts  x. 
34 — going  on  to  that  glorious  passage  in  the  Revelation, 
which  tells  of  the  company  that  cannot  be  numbered, 
gathered  out  of  every  nation,  kindred,  tongue,  and  people. 

Speaking  of  the  close  of  the  day,  she  says :  "  I  laid  me 
down  and  slept  in  peace." 

Fourth-day,  a  dinner  at  Count  Pelet  de  la  Loz^re's ; 
Fifth-day,  at  M.  Guizot's  :  seated  by  their  celebrated  host, 
this  dinner  was  felt  by  Elizabeth  Fry  to  be  an  occasion  of 
great  responsibility.  She  was  encouraged  by  his  courteous 
attention,  unreservedly  to  speak  to  him  on  the  subjects 
which  had  so  long  been  near  to  her  heart.  It  was  no  com- 
mon ordeal  for  woman,  weak,  even  in  her  strength,  to  en- 
counter reasoning  powers'and  capabilities  such  as  his.  They 
spoke  of  crime  in  its  origin,  its  consequences,  and  the 
measures  to  be  adopted  for  its  prevention ;  of  the  treatment 
of  criminals;  of  education,  and  Scriptural  instruction. 
Here  Elizabeth  Fry  unhesitatingly  urged  the  diffusion  of 
Scriptural  truth,  and  the  universal  circulation  of  the  Scrip- 
tures, as  the  most  potent  means,  within  human  reach,  of  con 
trolling  the  power  of  sin,  and  shedding  light  upon  the  dark 
ness  of  superstition  and  infidelity. 

Elizabeth  Fry  again  visited  the  Duchess  of  Orleans.  She 
nad  also  several  interviews  with  the  Grand  Duchess  of 
Mecklenburgh,  their  communications  with  each  other  being 
of  a  deeply  religious  character. 

It  was  the  period  of  the  annual  religious  Meetings :  many 
pasteurs  were  assembled  in  Paris ;  J.  J.  Gurney  invited  a 
considerable  number  to  the  Hotel  Meurice. 

Paris,  Fifth  Month,  11th. — On  Second-day,  about  thirty 
pasteurs  came  to  breakfast :  they  are  from  different  parts  of 
France :  a  very  interesting  set  of  men.  First  we  had  a 
Scripture-reading ;  Joseph  and  myself  had  much  to  express 
to  them  at  the  time ;  a  most  weighty  concern  it  was.  My 


1843.]  LIFE   OP  ELIZABETH   PRY.  615 

brother  prayed,  and  one  of  the  pasteurs  spoke.  We  then 
breakfasted,  and  had  really  a  delightful  meal.  I  remember- 
ed that  our  Lord  condescended  to  attend  feasts,  and  this 
was  a  feast  offered  to  His  servants,  of  which  we  partook  in 
love  and  peace.  The  pasteurs  afterwards  gave  us  an  ac- 
count of  the  religious  state  of  the  people  arouud  them ;  a 
good  work  certainly  appears  going  on,  amidst  many  obstruc- 
tions. We  then  spoke  to  them.  I  particularly  recommend- 
ed religious  unity  with  all  who  love  the  Lord,  and  kindness 
to  the  Methodists,  as  a  valuable  body  of  Christians. 

Paris,  Fifth  Month,  21«£,  (First-day.) — My  birth-day 
sixty-three !  My  God  hath  not  forgotten  to  be  gracious, 
nor  hath  He  shut  up  His  tender  mercies  from  me. 

The  last  week  has  been  an  interesting  one.  We  were  first 
sent  for  by  the  King.  My  brother,  sister,  and  I,  paid  rather 
a  remarkable  visit  to  him,  the  Queen,  and  the  Princess 
Adelaide.  To  my  surprise  and  pleasure  yesterday,  there 
arrived  frem  the  Queen,  a  most  beautiful  Bible  with  fine  en- 
gravings, without  note  or  comment ;  given  me  as  a  mark  of 
her  satisfaction  in  our  visit. 

One  evening,  the  Prime  Minister  Guizot  dined  with  them. 
The  topics  before  discussed  were  then  resumed  : — the  state 
of  Protestants  in  France,  la  liberte  des  cultes,  and  Negro 
Slavery.  Elizabeth  Fry  entreated  Guizot's  attention  to  the 
state  of  the  Sandwich  Islands.  She  had,  a  few  months  be- 
fore, received  from  Kamehameha  III.,  the  King  of  those 
islands,  a  letter,  entreating  her  good  offices  to  second  his  en- 
deavours to  prohibit  the  importation  and  use  of  spirituous 
liquors  in  his  kingdom,  the  baneful  and  demoralizing  effects 
of  which,  he  stated  to  be  lamentable. 

Much  had  been  done  for  the  improvement  of  prisons  since 
Elizabeth  Fry's  last  visit  to  Paris.  The  importance  of  the 
subject  had  been  fully  recognized,  and  a  bill  brought  before 
the  Chamber  of  Deputies. 


616  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1845 

Boulogne,  28<A. — Through  the  condescending  mercy  of  our 
Heavenly  Father  we  are  safely  and  peacefully  arrived  here, 
after  a  quiet  journey  with  my  dearest  Katharine.  We  were 
near  meeting  with  a  very  serious  accident,  but  through  mercy, 
we  escaped  without  injury.  Our  leaving  Paris  was  no  com- 
mon occasion.  The  morning  before,  several  of  our  beloved 
friends  were  with  us ;  they  literally  loaded  us  with  presents, 
indeed,  it  appeared  as  if  they  did  not  know  how  to  show 
their  love  to  us  enough.  Before  we  parted  from  each  other, 
we  had  a  most  solemn  time  in  prayer ;  little  knowing  whether 
we  should  see  each  other's  faces  more.  I  hardly  knew  how 
to  accept  all  their  generous  kindness.  What  can  we  say,  but 
that  their  hearts  being  thus  turned  to  us  must  be  uthe 
Lord's  doing,  and  is  marvellous  in  our  eyes  ?" 

The  previous  evening  many  of  our  dear  Friends,  English 
and  French,  came  to  take  leave  of  us  ;  we  read  together  the 
121st  Psalm.  In  the  morning  I  visited  a  Roman  Catholic 
Refuge,  and  finished  well  with  the  Greeks  in  the  afternoon. 

On  Third-day,  we  visited  the  great  military  prison  at  St. 
Germain,  accompanied  by  a  French  general,  an  English 
colonel,  our  excellent  friend  Count  Pelt,  and  Moreau-Chris- 
tophe.  We  were  received  very  kindly  by  the  Colonel, 
Governor  of  the  Prison,  and  his  wife,  and  took  our  dejetiner 
with  them. 

In  the  evening  we  went  to  a  large  Meeting  in  one  of  the 
Faubourgs,  with  the  French  Methodists  in  humble  life.  How 
curious  the  changes  of  my  daily  life ! — what  a  picture  they 
would  make ! — in  the  morning,  surrounded  by  the  high 
military,  and  the  soldier  prisoners — in  the  evening,  in  a 
Methodist  Meeting-house,  with  the  people  and  their  pasteurs, 
and  afterwards  by  poor  little  French  children,  hearing  them 
read. 

Another  day  I  was  at  a  large  Prison  Committee  of  Pro- 
testant ladies.  I  think  they  have  been  greatly  prospered  in 
their  work  of  Christian  love,  in  which  they  have  persevered 
ever  since  my  first  visit  to  Paris :  there  have  been  many  in- 


1843.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  617 

stances  of  great  improvement  in  the  prisoners  under  their 
care.     After  prayer  for  them  I  left  them. 

On  the  afternoon  of  the  First-day,  she  visited  the  "  St." 
Lazare  Prison  ;  "  such  a  scene  of  disorder  and  deep  evil,"  she 
says,  "  I  have  seldom  witnessed — gambling,  romping,  scream- 
ing. With  much  difficulty  we  collected  four  Protestant 
prisoners,  and  read  with  them."  She  afterwards  "  spoke  to 
those  poor  disorderly  women,  who  appeared  attentive,  and 
showed  some  feeling."  She  "  represented  to  many  in  autho- 
rity, the  sad  evils  of  this  prison,  and  pleaded  with  them  for 
reform,  for  religious  care,  and  for  Scriptural  instruction." 
And  she  adds — 

In  the  evening  the  dear  Countess  Pelet  was  with  us,  and 
we  had  a  large  assembly,  mostly  of  English  ;  it  was  thought 
ninety  or  a  hundred.  I  was  tried  and  poorly,  my  flesh  and 
my  heart  ready  to  fail,  but  the  Lord  strengthened  me,  and  I 
felt  really  helped  by  a  power  quite  above  myself.  With  this 
company  I  had  a  most  satisfactory  parting  time,  and  a  sweet 
feeling  of  love  and  unity  with  these  servants  of  the  Lord. 

A  quiet  resting  day  was  spent  at  Passy  with  her  old  and 
valued  friends  of  the  Delessert  family,  with  whom  she  had 
some  solemn  religious  communications  on  this,  the  last  day 
she  passed  amongst  them. 

On  returning  home,  she  was  able  to  attend  one  or  two  sit- 
tings of  the  Yearly  Meeting  in  London,  and  for  a  short  time, 
to  encounter  the  current  of  life  better  than  she  had  done 
before  her  journey. 

Sixth  Month,  25fA. — A  week  of  considerable  occupation. 
Second-day,  the  British  Society  Committee ;  an  interesting 
meeting  with  those  beloved  ladies  ;  so  much  oneness  in  heart 
and  purpose,  a  delightful  evidence  of  the  sweetness  of 
Christian  unity,  and  how  those  who  differ  in  secondary 
points  may  agree  in  the  most  essential  one,  and  be  one  in 
78 


618  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH     FRY.  [1843 

Christ.  We  have  cause  for  thankfulness  in  the  excellent 
arrangements  made  by  Lord  Stanley  for  our  poor  prisoners 
in  Van  Diemen's  Land  ;  he  appears  so  carefully  to  have  at- 
tended to  the  representations  we  made  respecting  the  evils 
existing  there,  and  to  have  proposed  good  measures  to 
remedy  them. 


1843-1845.  Attends  the  Quarterly  Meeting  at  Hertford— Illness— 
Sandgate— Tonbridge  Wells— Winter  of  great  suffering— Removed 
to  Bath — Returns  home — Death  of  her  sister-in-law,  Elizabeth  Fry — 
Death  of  a  grandson — Stay  at  Walmer — Death  of  a  Grand-daughter 
— Death  of  her  son  William — Of  another  Grand-daughter — Deep 
Affliction — Return  from  Walmer — Death  of  a  Niece — Visit  to  her 
brother  Joseph  John  Gurney — Parting  with  some  of  her  children 
for  Madeira— Death  of  Sir  T.  Fowell  Buxton— Visit  to  Norfolk— 
Earlham — Northrepps — Yearly  Meeting — "Ladies'  British  Society" 
Meeting — Marriage  of  her  youngest  Son — Removal  to  Ramsgate — 
Successive  parties  of  her  family — Sudden  increase  of  illness — Death 
— Funeral — Concluding  Remarks. 

ON  the  21st  of  Sixth  Month,  Elizabeth  Fry  attended  the 
Quarterly  Meeting  at  Hertford,  much  to  the  comfort  of 
Friends  there.  She  was  accompanied  by  her  brother  Samue. 
Gurney.  This  was  the  last  time  that  she  left  home  expressly 
on  religious  service.  During  the  Seventh  Month,  she 
wrote  : — 

Last  First-day  was  not  one  to  be  forgotten  ;  much  of  the 
morning  without  clouds.  My  dear  brother  and  sister  Buxton 
were  at  meeting.  I  felt  it  my  duty  to  encourage  the  weary, 
and  enlarged  upon  our  foolishness,  yet  how  the  Lord  is  made 
unto  His  people  wisdom,  righteousness,  sanctification,  and 
redemption.  There  were  some  who  appeared  much  im- 
pressed. Through  the  whole  of  that  day  and  into  the  next, 
renewed  peace  rested  on  my  spirit. 

(619) 


620  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1843 

As  the  month  passed  on,  Elizabeth  Fry  showed  increasing 
symptoms  of  illness  ;  the  consequence,  doubtless,  of  bodily 
fatigue  and  mental  exertion  ;  the  effects  of  which  were  se- 
verely aggravated  by  a  chill,  from  sitting  one  evening  in  the 
garden  at  Upton  Lane. 

In  this  state-  of  indisposition  she  went  to  Sandgate,  being 
additionally  induced  to  go  thither  for  the  sake  of  her  sister- 
in-law,  Elizabeth  Fry,  whose  declining  health  appeared  to 
require  the  invigorating  influence  of  the  sea  air.  The  fol- 
lowing extract  was  penned  soon  after  her  settlement  there : — 

Sandgate,  Seventh  Month,  29th. — I  have  been  permitted  to 

pass  through  rather  an  unusual  time  of  late,  I  think 

(alluding  to  a  painful  circumstance),  hurt  me,  bodily  and 
mentally,  and  discouraged  me.  Our  house  was  rather  too 
full  for  me,  and  I  got  too  anxious  (my  easily  besetting  sin,) 

about  some  nearest  to  me I  find  myself  here  in  a 

lovely  place  by  the  sea,  the  air  delightful,  and  the  house 
pleasant.  Thus  the  Lord  provides  for  me  in  this  my  tried 
estate.  If  it  please  my  Holy  Helper,  may  He  soon  see 
meet  to  heal  me. 

First-day  Afternoon. — No  one  of  the  family  at  home  but 
myself;  how  very  unusual  a  circumstance.  I  have  at  times, 
passed  through  a  good  deal  of  conflict  and  humiliation  in  this 
indisposition,  and  it  is  a  real  exercise  of  faith  to  me,  the  way 
in  which  I  am  tried  by  my  illness.  I  suppose  it  arises  from 
my  extremely  susceptible  nerves,  that  are  so  affected  when 
the  body  is  out  of  order,  as  to  cast  quite  a  veil  over  the  mind. 
I  am  apt  to  query  whether  I  am  not  deceiving  myself,  in 
supposing  I  am  the  servant  of  the  Lord,  so  ill  to  endure 
suffering,  and  to  be  so  anxious  to  get  rid  of  it ;  but  it  has 
been  my  earnest  prayer  that  I  might  truly  say,  "  Not  as  I 
will,  but  as  Thou  wilt."  Lord !  help  me.  I  pray  that  I  may 
be  enabled  to  cast  all  my  burthen,  and  all  my  care  upon 
Thee,  that  I  may  rest  in  the  full  assurance  of  faith  in  Thy 
love,  pity,  mercy,  and  grace,  I  pray  Thee  help  me,  that  my 


1843.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  621 

soul  may  be  less  disquieted  within  me,  and  that  I  may  more 
trustfully  and  hopefully  go  on  heavenward.  Increase  my 
faith  in  Thy  faithfulness,  gracious  Lord  !  whilst  I  believe 
that  those,  who  are  once  in  grace,  are  not  always  in  grace : 
yet  help  me  ever  to  feel  that  faithful  art  Thou,  0  Lord !  who 
hast  called  us  out  of  darkness  into  Thy  marvellous  light ; 
and  Thou  only  canst  do  it ;  therefore  be  pleased  to  hearken 
to  the  prayer  of  Thy  poor  servant,  increase  her  faith,  and 
be  Thyself,  for  Thine  own  name'  sake,  not  only  the  author, 
but  the  finisher  of  it.  Amen. 

At  Sandgate,  she  received  the  account  of  the  death  of  a 
lovely  niece :  nine  weeks  before,  a  beautiful  and  blooming 
bride.  In  the  state  in  which  she  then  was,  these  tidings 
were  deeply  affecting  to  her,  and  very  sorrowfully  she  writes 
respecting  the  event. 

"  In  how  many  ways  the  Lord  teaches  us ;  surely  the 
present  is  no  common  lesson." 

To  the  bereaved  family  she  wrote — "  We  live  with  you  in 
spirit ;  and  with  all  most  dear  to  the  beloved  departed.  It 
is  sweet  to  remember  that  help  is  laid  on  One  that  is  mighty, 
who,  blessed  be  His  holy  name,  is  ever  near  to  His  depen- 
dent servants." 

After  several  distressing  weeks,  Elizabeth  Fry  was  moved 
to  Tonbridge  Wells,  closely  and  faithfully  nursed  by  her 
two  youngest  daughters. 

Tonbridge  Wells,  Ninth  Month,  10th. — We  are  favoured 
to  be  settled  here  in  a  comfortable  house,  where  many  accom 
modations  abound ;  which,  in  my  delicate  state,  I  find  a  real 
help.     I   have  been  favoured  to  partake  of  sweet  resting 
sleep  ;  thanks  to  my  Heavenly  Father  for  His  great  mercy. 

About  two  weeks  later,  she  writes — My  case  has  been 
rather  increasingly  distressing,  from  an  almost  total  loss  of 
appetite,  and  at  times  great  lowness.  Many  fears  creep  in 
for  my  natural  health,  more  particularly,  as  it  respects  th<> 


622  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FEY.  [1843. 

nervous  system.  Hitherto  my  Lord  has  said  to  the  waves 
that  would  overwhelm  me,  "  so  far  shalt  thou  go,  and  no 
further."  And,  merciful  Lord,  if  it  be  Thy  holy  will,  con- 
tinue to  keep  them  from  overwhelming  Thy  poor  unworthy 
servant,  in  this  time  of  weakness  and  of  frequent  distress. 
Let  not  the  waterfloods  prevail.  When  my  spirit  is  over- 
whelmed within  me,  enable  me  to  look  to  the  Rock  that  is 
higher  than  I,  as  a  "  refuge  from  the  storm,  a  shadow  from 
the  heat,  when  the  blast  of  the  terrible  one  is  as  a  storm 
against  the  wall."  Her  stay  at  Tonbridge  Wells  did  not 
appear  to  be  attended  with  any  permanent  benefit. 

24<A. — I  desire,  in  this  my  sorrow  and  suffering,  to  cast 
myself  and  my  whole  care  on  the  Lord.  I  know  that  I  am 
poor,  miserable,  blind,  and  naked  ;  and  I  look  to  my  Lord 
for  everything.  The  kindness  of  all  around  me  is  great, 
indeed  wonderful  to  me,  and  their  pleasure  in  being  with 
me  comforting,  for  I  feel  as  if  I  must  be  burdensome  to 
them.  Most  gracious  Lord,  if  it  be  Thy  will,  let  not  this 
be  the  case,  but  bless  this  trying,  humbling  illness  to  them, 
as  well  as  to  myself;  and  may  it  please  Thee  to  grant  me 
grace,  minute  by  minute,  to  hold  fast  my  confidence,  sted- 
fast  unto  the  end,  that  continuing  faithful  unto  death,  I 
may,  through  Thy  merits,  receive  a  crown  of  life ! 

She  returned  to  Upton  near  the  end  of  the  Ninth  Month, 
and  very  reluctantly  relinquished  the  hope  of  spending  part 
of  the  autumn  in  Norfolk.  Her  illness  had  its  fluctuations, 
but  she  did  not  come  down  stairs  after  the  5th  of  Tenth 
Month.  She,  however,  often  told  those  around  her,  in  her 
great  bodily  suffering — that  the  everlasting  arms  were  always 
underneath  her — that  the  under-current  was  peace  and  com- 
fort, though  the  surface  was  a~t  much  tempest-tossed. 

Upton,  Tenth  Month,  10th. — My  God  hath  not  forgotten 
to  be  gracious,  or  shut  up  His  tender  mercies  from  me ;  it 
appears  to  me  that  all  of  nature  is  to  be  brought  low,  for  all 
that  is  of  the  Lord  only,  can  stand  the  day  of  humiliation. 


1843.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  623 

I  may  thankfully  say,  I  am  quiet  and  sustained  in  spirit,  but 
do  not  often  know  peace  to  flow  as  a  river,  as  at  some  former 
times ;  still  help  is  constantly  near  from  the  sanctuary, 
though  I  abide  under  a  sense  of  deep  unworthiness  before 
the  Lord ;  but  what  can  I  do  but  wait  in  faith,  until  He  be 
pleased  fully  to  clothe  me  with  the  garments  of  His  right- 
eousness and  His  salvation  ?  I  feel  I  can  do  nothing  for 
myself. 

One  afternoon,  when  some  members  of  her  family  were 
reading  with  her,  she  was  unable  to  attend  to  a  very  inte- 
resting religious  biography,  saying  "  it  is  too  touching  to  me 
— too  affecting."  She  added,  after  a  pause,  "  How  I  feel 
for  the  poor  when  very  ill  'f  in  a  state  like  my  own,  for  in- 
stance ;  when  *  good'  ladies  go  to  see  them. — Religious 
truths  so  strongly  brought  forward,  often  injudiciously." 
She  went  on  speaking  on  this  subject,  and  then  dwelt  on 
"  the  exquisite  tenderness  of  the  Saviour's  ministrations  ;" 
"His  tone  and  manner  to  sinnners  !" 

Soon  afterwards  she  resumed,  in  the  most  impressive  man- 
ner ;  saying,  that  "religious  truth"  was  opened  to  her,  and 
supplied  to  her  "  inwardly,  not  by  man's  ministration,  but 
administered  according  to"  her  "need  ;"  adding,  "  if  I  may 
so  say,  it  is  my  life." 

She  frequently  spoke  of  not  being  called  to  active  service 
now,  and  that  she  had  no  desire  as  to  recovery  ;  on  the  con- 
trary, she  was  "able  quite  to  leave  it."  Frequently  she 
repeated  to  those  about  her,  "  I  feel  the  foundation  under- 
neath me  sure." 

One  evening  she  opened  her  heart  on  her  deep  and  earnest 
desires  for  the  good  of  her  children.  Of  her  "  great  suffer- 
ings"— "  greater  than  any  one  knows" — that  if  they  were 
to  last,  no  one  could  wish  for  her  life  ;  but  soon  added 
"  there  is  one  thing  I  would  willingly  live  for — the  good  of 
my  husband  and  children,  and  my  fellow-creaturers." 


624  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1843. 

On  the  night  of  the  25th  of  Tenth  Month,  her  spirit  was 
remarkably  strengthened  to  declare  her  faith  and  hope  in 
God.  She  quoted  many  passages  of  Scripture,  to  prove 
that  faith  must  work  by  love,  and  that  faith,  if  true,  must 
produce  works.  She  said,  "  with  the  text,  '  He  that  keepeth 
my  sayings  shall  never  see  death,'  take  this  one  also,  '  He 
that  belie veth  on  me  shall  never  die.'  "  She  afterwards  ex- 
pressed, in  a  tone  of  the  deepest  feeling,  her  "  perfect  confi- 
dence," her  "  full  assurance,  that  neither  life,  nor  death,  nor 
angels,  nor  principalities,  nor  powers,  nor  things  present,  nor 
things  to  come,  nor  height,  nor  depth,  nor  any  other  crea- 
ture, should  be  able  to  separate"  her  "  from  the  love  of  God 
which  is  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord  ;"  adding,  "  my  whole 
trust  is  in  Him,  my  entire  confidence." — "I  know  in  whom  I 
have  believed,  and  can  commit  all  to  Him,  who  has  loved  me 
and  given  Himself  for  me  ;  whether  for  life  or  death,  sickness 
or  health,  time  or  eternity." 

In  the  course  of  the  same  day,  she  said  very  emphatically, 
to  one  of  her  daughters,  "  I  can  say  one  thing — since  my 
heart  was  touched  at  seventeen  years  old,  I  believe  I  never 
have  awakened  from  sleep,  in  sickness  or  in  health,  by  day 
or  by  night,  without  my  first  waking  thought  being  how  best 
I  might  serve  my  Lord." 

Elizabeth  Fry  had  greatly  wished  to  attend  the  marriage 
of  her  niece  Anna,  the  only  daughter  of  her  beloved  brother 
Joseph  John  Gurney  ;  but  as  the  time  approached,  all  hope 
of  accomplishing  this  passed  away.  With  the  promise  of  a 
family  Bible,  (her  favourite  wedding  present,)  she  sent  this 
note  (dictated) : 

My  dearest  Anna, 

I  was  very  glad  to  receive  thy  note.  I  hope  the  Bible 
will  be  ready  in  a  few  days ;  the  one  I  had  ready  for  thee, 

I  sent  to  Lady ,  hoping  that  it  would  induce  Lord 

and  her  to  have  family  reading.  It  is  a  great  and  unexpected 
disappointment  to  me,  to  see  no  probability  of  being  able  to 


1843.]  LIFE  OF   ELIZABETH   FRY.  625 

attend  thy  wedding,  bat  "  it  is  not  in  him  that  walketh,  to 
direct  his  steps ;"  the  humiliation  of  my  suffering  may  be 
better  for  me  than  going  to  the  house  of  rejoicing,  and  if  so 
permitted,  we  cannot  doubt  it.  At  all  events,  I  think  thou 
art  sure  that  few  more  earnestly  desire  thy  peace  and  prospe- 
rity than  I  do,  in  spirituals  and  in  temporals — that  thyself, 
and  thy  companion  in  life,  may  be  enabled  to  serve  the  living 
God  faithfully,  through  the  power  of  His  Holy  Spirit;  and 
that,  through  the  faithfulness  of  the  Saviour's  love,  His 
richest  grace  and  peace  may  be  with  you,  in  heights  and  in 
depths,  in  sickness  and  in  health,  in  riches  and  in  poverty, 
in  life  and  in  death.  My  very  dear  love  to  my  sister  Cathe- 
rine, thy  father  and  mother,  and  the  rest  of  your  circle,  also 
to  thy  dear  intended  husband.  Thy  much  attached  and 
well-wishing  aunt, 

ELIZABETH  FRY. 

On  First-day  the  6th  of  Eleventh  Month,  her  son  William 
and  her  youngest  daughter  being  with  her,  a  chapter  in  Job 
was  read  to  her,  also  the  3d  of  John ;  after  which  she 
prayed,  in  a  very  striking  manner,  that  when  all  the  sorrows 
and  fluctuations  of  time  were  ended,  "We  might  behold  His 
face  in  glory  :  that  whilst  here  we  might  not  deceive  our- 
selves, but  be  true  and  decided  followers  of  Him,  who  in 
His  own  good  time  would  arise  with  healing  on  His  wings, 
to  deliver  us  from  all  our  pain." 

The  following  day,  a  very  beautiful  note'being  read  to  her, 
from  one  who  preceded  her  to  the  heavenly  mansions,  a  few 
days  after  writing  it — in  which,  with  reference  to  her,  the 
three  first  verses  of  the  41st  Psalm  were  quoted;  she  lay 
quiet  for  a  short  time,  and  then  calling  one  of  her  daughters 
to  her  bedside,  said,  "  May  they  not  be  deceived !"  "  One 
thing  is  certain,  I  have  desired  and  sought  to  serve  the  Lord." 

13th. — Her  nephew,  Edward  Hoare,  came  to  see  her.  He 
sat  down  by  her  sofa  and  said  to  her,  "  My  dear  aunt,  what 
a  consolation  to  know  you  to  be  of  the  church  of  God,  which 


626  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1843. 

He  hath  purchased  with  His  own  blood.''  After  a  little 
pause,  she  said  with  great  humility,  "  But  we  must  avoid 
false  confidence."  He  replied,  that  there  could  be  no  false 
confidence,  when  our  hope  is  fixed  on  Christ  alone.  Sho 
said  with  emphasis,  "  There,  indeed,  is  no  false  confidence;" 
and  added,  that  in  this  illness  she  had  entirely  felt  without 
carefulness  ;  so  able  to  commit  every  person  and  every  thing, 
and  leave  them  in  His  hands  ;  that  she  felt  no  service  now 
called  for  from  her,  only  to  endure,  "  as  seeing  Him  who  is 
invisible." 

She  evinced  a  grateful  feeling  for  every  token  of  love  and 
care:  she  spoke  with  earnestness  of  the  affectionate  attentions 
of  her  husband,  and  how  kindly  and  patiently  he  assisted  in 
nursing  her  throughout  this  protracted  season  of  suffering. 

To  her  children  in  Norfolk  she  addressed  some  very  sweet 
sentences.  After  expressing  (in  her  wonted  humility)  how 
deeply  she  felt  their  kindness  to  her,  she  adds, — 

"  I  may  thankfully  acknowledge,  I  not  unfrequently  par- 
take of  hours  of  rest  and  peace,  through  the  tender  mercy  of 
Him,  who  is  touched  with  a  feeling  of  our  infirmities,  and  is 
our  ever -living  Advocate.  Times  of  sore  conflict  are  now 
and  then  permitted,  but  I  have  been  sooner  delivered  out 
of  them,  than  I  was.  As  to  outward  help,  (with  regard  to 
medicine,)  I  believe  little  can  be  done,  but  as  it  respects 
sympathy  and  care,  much ;  but  as  I  abound  in  these  latter, 
in  such  a  remarkable  degree,  I  trust,  if  it  be  the  will  of  my 
Heavenly  Father,  they  may  tend  to  raise  up,  if  not  that  they 
may  be  blessed  to  my  soul." 

At  this  time,  a  lovely  infant  child  of  her  nephew  and 
niece  Buxton  was  removed  by  death.  Elizabeth  Fry  felt 
much  on  the  occasion.  On  the  following  day,  being  First- 
day,  Eleventh  Month  26th,  one  of  her  sons,  a  daughter  and 
a  little  grandson  being  by  her  bedside,  she  prayed  nearly  as 
follows,  after  the  18th  chapter  of  Matthew  had  been  read  to 
her : — 


1843.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  627 

Gracious  Lord,  grant  that  the  promise  to  those,  where  two 
or  three  are  gathered  together  in  Thy  name,  may  be  fulfilled 
in  our  experience  ;  and  that  Thou  wilt  look  upon  our  whole 
circle,  as  well  as  the  little  group  now  present.  Heal,  as  far 
as  is  consistent  with  Thy  will,  and  grant  patience  and  sub- 
mission to  whatever  Thou  mayest  order.  Lord,  enable  us  to 
cut  off  the  right  hand,  and  pluck  out  the  right  eye,  if  they 
are  likely  to  lead  us  into  temptation.  For  ourselves,  and 
those  especially  who  are  nearest  to  the  little  one  whose  spirit 
passed  to  Thee  yesterday,  enable  us  to  give  thanks,  that  he 
is  among  those  innocent  ones,  whose  angels,  redeemed  by  the 
mercy  of  Christ  Jesus,  are  for  ever  in  Thy  presence.  And 
for  all  who  are  in  affliction,  we  would  ask  Thy  support. 

One  of  the  few  remaining  entries  in  her  Journal  is  as 
follows : — 

Upton,  Twelfth  Month,  1th. — Lord  !  undertake  Thyself 
for  me;  Thy  arm  of  power  can  alone  heal,  help,  and  de- 
liver ;  and  in  Thee  do  I  trust,  and  hope ;  thougk  at  times 
deeply  tried  and  cast  down  before  Thee ;  yet,  O  Lord  ! 
Thou  art  my  hope,  and  be  therefore  entreated  of  Thy  poor, 
sorrowful,  and  often  afflicted  servant,  and  arise  for  my  help. 
Leave  not  my  poor  soul  destitute,  but  through  the  fulness  of 
Thine  own  power,  mercy  and  love,  keep  me  alive  unto  Thy- 
self, unto  the  end  !  that  nothing  may  separate  me  from  Thy 
love,  that  I  may  endure  unto  the  end  ;  and  when  the  end 
comes,  that  I  may  be  altogether  Thine,  and  dwell  with  Thee, 
if  it  be  but  the  lowest  place  within  the  gate,  where  I  may 
behold  Thy  glory,  and  Thy  holiness,  and  for  ever  rest  in 
Thee. 

I  do  earnestly  entreat  Thee,  that  to  the  very  last  I  may 
never  deny  Thee,  or,  in  any  way,  have  my  life  or  conversa- 
tion inconsistent  with  my  love  to  Thee,  and  most  earnest 
desire  to  live  to  Thy  glory ;  for  I  have  loved  Thee,  0  Lord, 
and  desired  to  serve  Thee  without  reserve.  Be  entreated, 


G28  LIFE    OF    ELIZA  BETH    FRY.  [184ti. 

that  through  Thy  faithfulness,  and  the  power  of  Thy  own 
Spirit,  I  may  serve  Thee  unto  the  end.     Amen. 

Her  agony,  from  violent  spasm  and  cramp  pervading  all 
her  frame,  was  frequently  excruciating. 

A  few  memoranda  from  the  journal  of  her  son  William, 
are  here  introduced,  not  merely  as  illustrative  of  her  state, 
but  as  descriptive  of  his  communication  with  the  tenderly- 
beloved  mother,  whom  he  was  to  precede,  by  so  short  a 
period,  to  the  invisible  world. 

"  The  evening  of  the  29th,  was  one  of  the  greatest  suf- 
fering and  distress;  such  as  I  never  remember  to  have 
witnessed.  But,  through  all,  her  faith  was  triumphant,  and 
her  confidence  unshaken.  I  endeavoured  to  remember  a 
few  of  her  expressions,  and  have  succeeded  in  calling  to 
mind  the  following : — 

"  '  I  believe  this  is  not  death,  but  it  is  as  passing  through 
the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death,  and  perhaps  with  more 
suffering,  from  more  sensitiveness ;  but  the  rock  '  is  here  ;' 
'  the  distress  is  awful,  but  He  has  been  with  me.' 

"  *  I  feel  that  He  is  with  me,  and  will  be  with  me  even  to 
the  end.  David  says,  *  why  hast  thou  forsaken  me  ?'  I  do 
not  feel  that  I  am  forsaken.  In  my  judgment  I  believe  this 
is  not  death,  but  it  is  as  death.  It  is  nigh  unto  death.'  She 
frequently  expressed  fears  of  being  impatient.  '  May  none 
of  you  be  called  to  pass  through  such  a  furnace ;  but  still 
my  sufferings  have  been  mitigated  through  mercy  and  grace ! 
fulness  of  grace  !  Now  my  dear  William,  be  stedfast,  im- 
raoveable,  always  abounding  in  the  work  of  the  Lord  ;  and 
then  thy  labour  shall  not  be  in  vain  in  the  Lord.  0  !  the 
blessedness  of  having  desired  to  be  on  the  Lord's  side  !  (not 
that  I  have  any  merit  of  my  own).  I  cannot  express,  even 
in  my  greatest  trials  and  tribulations,  the  blessedness  of  His 
service.  My  life  has  been  a  remarkable  one ;  much  have  I 
had  to  go  through,  more  than  mortal  knows,  or  even  can 


1844.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  629 

know  ;  my  sorrows  at  times  have  been  bitter ;  but  my  con- 
solations sweet !  In  my  lowest  estates,  through  grace,  my 
love  to  my  Master  has  never  failed,  nor  to  my  family,  nor  to 
my  fellow-mortals.  This  illness  may  be  for  death,  or  it  may 
not,  according  to  His  will ;  but  He  will  never  forsake  me, 
even  should  He  be  pleased  to  take  me  this  night.' " 

On  the  first  of  Second  Month,  her  son  William,  her  bro- 
ther, Samuel  Gurney,  and  two  of  her  daughters,  being 
around  her  bed,  she  prayed  in  a  low  voice,  and  at  broken 
intervals,  to  the  following  purport : — 

For  help  for  this  poor  afflicted  servant  in  her  deep  tribu- 
lation, that  in  passing  through  the  floods  they  should  not 
overflow  her,  and  through  the  fire  she  should  not  be  burned  ; 
that  these  trials  in  the  hands  of  the  great  Refiner  might  tend 
to  more  perfect  purification  and  refinement,  and  preparation 
for  His  service,  whether  in  tiifle  or  in  eternity;  but  she 
wholly  left  this  to  His  will.  That  if  raised  up,  she  desired 
it  might  only  be  to  more  entire  devotedness  to  His  service, 
and  as  an  instrument  to  spread  the  knowledge  of  Christ  and 
His  truth  amongst  her  fellow-mortals  ;  and  that  mercy  might 
be  granted  in  body,  soul,  and  spirit,  to  her  husband,  children, 
brothers,  and  sisters,  and  all  beloved  by  her,  even  by  Him 
whom  she  had  steadily  loved  and  desired  to  serve  from  child- 
hood, though,  through  sore  temptation  and  tribulation. 

In  the  evening  of  the  same  day.  she  expressed  her  cer- 
tainty of  the  truths  of  Revelation,  saying,  "  I  know  my 
foundation  to  be  sure,  I  feel  the  rock  always  underneath  me." 

The  following  morning,  on  her  son  William's  reading  an 
expression  of  love  and  sympathy  from  her  eldest  grandson, 
who  had  been  placed  in  the  army,  and  who,  though  so  un- 
favourably circumstanced,  was  religiously  inclined,  she  said, 
4t  My  very  dear  love  to  him  :  tell  him  to  be  stedfast,  immove- 
aMe,  always  abounding  in  the  work  of  the  Lord,  for  in 


030  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1844, 

whatever    circumstances,   it  will  not  be   in  vain   in    the 
Lord."* 

Her  only  absent  daughter  was  at  this  time  again  summoned 
from  Norfolk.  Her  mother  had  suffered,  for  some  days  before, 
with  most  painful  neuralgic  symptoms,  but  just  then  there 
was  a  degree  of  respite;  the  change,  however,  .since  she  had 
seen  her  last,  was  sorrowful  indeed  to  witness,  and  could 
but  lead  to  the  most  alarming  apprehensions.  She  spoke  ol 
her  own  recovery  as  a  thing  hidden  from  herself,  and  con- 
cerning which  she  had  no  desire.  One  day  it  was  said  to 
her,  "that  many  a  Christian  had  slept  in  this  world,  and  to 
their  own  surprise  awakened  in  glory ;"  she  exclaimed  di- 
rectly, with  most  striking  emphasis,  "  Oh !  what  a  sweet 
thought."  She  spoke  occasionally  of  her  "  timid  nature  ;" 
of  her  "  natural  fear  of  death  ;"  but  on  Second-day  night, 
the  19th,  when  very  low  in  body  and  spirit,  she  said  empha- 
tically, "  should  I  never  see  the  light  of  another  morning, 
remember  I  am  safe." 

Her  dependence  on  her  Saviour,  and  utter  rejection  of 
every  merit  of  her  own,  was  entire.  On  one  occasion,  she 
said,  when  suffering  extreme  pain,  "  I  am  nothing,  I  have 
nothing ;  I  am  poor,  miserable,  naked,  helpless.  I  can  do 
nothing,  but  my  Saviour  is  every  thing,  all-sufficient — my 
light,  my  life,  my  joy,  my  eternal  hope  of  glory." 

To  one  of  the  "nursing  sisters"  who  was  attending  her, 
she  thus  expressed  herself :  "  I  am  of  the  same  mind  as  Paul, 
I  can  say,  *  to  me  to  live  is  Christ,  but  to  die  is  gain.'  What 
a  grand  thought  it  is !  everlasting  to  everlasting,  without 
trouble  and  without  pain ;  to  meet  there,  and  together  be  for 
ever  with  Christ." 

She  was  comforted,  as  were  her  attendants,  by  occasional 
visits  from  members  of  her  own  religious  persuasion,  and 
other  Christian  friends.  Prayer  was  offered,  from  time  to  time, 

*  This  young  man,  then  twenty-two  years  of  age,  gave  evidence  of 
a  decided  Christian  principle,  which  greatly  consoled  his  beloved 
grandmother.  He  soon  afterwards  left  the  army. 


1844.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH     FRY.  631 

in  her  chamber.     The  visits  of  her  sister  Buxton  were  a  true 
solace  to  her,  she  clung  to  her  with  inexpressible  affection. 

Her  illness  was  a  subject  of  tender  interest  and  con- 
cern amongst  all  classes.  To  an  intimate  friend,  who 
repeatedly  visited  her  about  this  time,  when  she  was 
with  difficulty  able  to  sit  up  during  a  few  hours  of  the  day, 
she  dwelt,  in  a  very  clear  and  instructive  manner,  upon  her 
own  state,  bodily  and  mentally.  She  expressed  her  belief 
that  her  illness  was  permitted  for  some  special  purpose,  as  it 
regarded  herself,  her  family,  and  perhaps  many  others ; — 
said  she  could  not  see  what  the  termination  of  it  was  de 
signed  to  be,  adding,  "  I  have  had  to  look  over  all  my  life, 
and  to  review  all  the  engagements  which  I  have  been  lee1 
into."  She  spoke  of  her  visit  to  the  Mansion  House,  and  01 
her  meeting  the  King  of  Prussia  there,  and  said  she  had 
never  known  a  more  deeply  humiliating  occasion ;  adding. 
"  I  cannot  doubt  that  I  was  rightly  led  there,  and  none  car 
think  what  I  went  through."  Soon  afterwards,  she  said  t< 
the  same  friend,  "  My  life  has  been  one  of  great  vicissitude  ; 
mine  has  been  a  hidden  path,  hidden  from  every  human  eye. 
I  have  had  deep  humiliations  and  sorrows  to  pass  through 
I  can  truly  say,  I  have  *  wandered  in  the  wilderness  in  r 
solitary  way,  and  found  no  city  to  dwell  in  ;'  and  yet  hoM 
wonderful  I  have  been  sustained.  I  have  passed  through 
many  and  great  dangers,  many  ways ; — I  have  been  tried 
with  the  applause  of  the  world,  and  none  know  how  great 
a  trial  that  has  been,  and  the  deep  humiliations  of  it ;  and 
yet  I  fully  believe  that  it  is  not  near  so  dangerous  as  being 
made  much  of  in  religious  society.  There  is  a  snare  even  in 
religious  unity,  if  we  are  not  on  the  watch.  I  have  some- 
times felt,  that  it  was  not  so  dangerous  to  be  made  much  of 
in  the  world,  as  by  those  whom  we  think  highly  of  in  our 
own  Society :  the  more  I  have  been  made  much  of  by  the 
world,  the  more  I  have  been  inwardly  humbled."  She 
added,  "  I  could  often  adopt  the  words  of  Sir  Francis 
Bacon,  *  When  I  have  ascended  before  men,  I  have  descended 
in  humiliation  before  God.' ' 


€82  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1 844. 

To  the  same  friend,  who  again  visited  her  on  the  27th  of 
the  following  Month,  and  found  her  very  ill  and  low,  and  who 
expressed  a  hope  that  she  might  yet  be  better,  she  said,  "  I 
have  not  yet  seen  how  it  will  terminate — sometimes  I  have 
thought  that  perhaps  I  may  be  partially  raised  up,  but  I  lay 
no  stress  on  it."  Afterwards  she  said  with  tears,  "  Oh,  He 
is  a  covenant-keeping  God !  He  keepeth  covenant  and 
mercy — Oh,  may  I  ever  keep  hold  of  his  mercy!"  On  the 
29th,  the  same  friend  being  again  with  her,  and  perceiving 
that  she  was  much  depressed,  remarked,  "  I  believe  there  is  an 
open  door  set  before  thee,  although  thoumayst  not  always  be 
able  to  perceive  it  open."  The  precious  invalid  wept  much, 
and  after  a  time  said,  "  Oh  yes !  It  is  an  open  door."  Pres- 
ently she  continued,  "  The  Lord  is  gracious  and  full  of  com- 
passion, I  believe  He  will  never  leave  me  nor  forsake  me ;" 
nnd  after  a  solemn  pause,  she  added,  "  I  have  passed  through 
deep  baptisms  of  spirit  in  this  illness, — I  may  say,  unworthy 
as  I  am  to  say  it,  that  I  have  had  to  drink,  in  my  small  mea- 
sure, of  the  Saviour's  cup,  when  He  said,  '  My  God !  My 
God  !  why  hast  thou  forsaken  me  ?'  Some  of  my  friends 
have  thought  there  was  a  danger  of  my  being  exalted,  but  I 
believe  the  danger  has  been  on  the  opposite  side,  of  my  being 
too  low."  She  afterwards  said,  with  much  sweetness,  "  I 
feel  that  He  is  gracious  and  full  of  compassion,  and  that  He 
will  not  leave  me  destitute  ;  and  I  trust  He  will  never  suffer 
me  to  dishonour  His  holy  name.''  X)n  the  friend  taking 
leave  of  her,  she  desired  her  dear  love  to  several  individuals, 
and  added,  "  I  love  all  my  friends — I  love  every  one." 

As  the  spring  advanced,  there  was  a  perceptible  improve- 
ment, less  severity  of  pain,  and  rather  more  appetite ;  she 
was  moved  now  and  then  into  another  room,  in  a  wheeled 
chair,  and  she  began  strongly  to  wish  to  be  taken  to  Bath 
for  the  benefit  of  the  waters.  Her  family  feared  to  venture 
on  such  a  trial  of  her  little  remaining  strength ;  but,  after 
many  weeks  of  difficulty  and  doubt,  it  was  decided  that  the 
attempt  should  be  made,  and  her  husband  accomplished  her 


1844.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  633 

removal  to  Bath.  Her  brother  and  sister  Buxton  were  al- 
ready there ;  and  the  closeness  of  the  union,  natural  and 
spiritual,  which  subsisted  amongst  them,  rendered  their 
being  near  each  other  an  important  solace  to  them  all.  Va- 
rious members  of  their  families  successively  joined  them ; 
amongst  others,  her  son  William,  and  his  little  Emma. 

How  mercifully  does  the  Almighty  Disposer  of  events 
conceal,  from  His  frail  and  feeble  creatures,  the  knowledge 
of  the  future  !  Much  of  sorrow  and  infirmity  oppressed  some 
of  this  little  band,  but  they  could  not  foresee  how  soon  the 
brightest  of  them  were  to  be  laid  low. 

Elizabeth  Fry  gained  strength  at  Bath,  and  was  unques- 
tionably in  better  health  on  her  return  home.  But  she  was 
closely  touched  by  the  rapid  decline  of  her  sister-in-law, 
Elizabeth  Fry.  They  had  been  affectionately  united  for  a 
long  course  of  years.  They  had  travelled  together  as  minis- 
ters ;  they  had,  year  after  year,  sat,  side  by  side,  in  the 
Meeting-house  at  Plaistow,  and  now  in  her  low  and  weakened 
condition,  the  severing  of  this  tie  was  to  her  very 
painful. 

Her  sister  died  on  the  2nd  of  the  Seventh  month  in  great 
peace. 

There  was  an  extraordinary  weight  upon  Elizabeth  Fry's 
spirit ;  she  dwelt  much,  and  often,  on  the  invisible  world ; 
her  sleep  partook  of  these  impressions.  She  dreamed  that 
she  saw,  as  she  said,  that  "  there  were  graves  opened  all 
around"  her.  Did  not  coming  events  cast  their  shadows 
before  ?  And  was  not  she  thus,  in  some  measure,  prepared 
for  the  sorrows  that  were  to  follow  ?  Her  little  grandson 
Gurney  Reynolds,  a  very  delicate  child,  was  an  especial  object 
of  interest  to  her  ;  he  was  frequently  with  her,  delighting  in 
her  gentle  tenderness,  and  in  the  pursuits  which  she  provided 
for  him,  so  well  suited  to  his  feeble  health.  He  left  her  not 
more  unwell  than  usual.  Tidings  came  of  his  being  worse, 
and  three  days  afterwards  that  his  patient,  lamb-like  spirit, 
80 


634  LIFE   OF   ELIZA  BETH   FRY.  [1845. 

had  departed  as  he  lay  upon  the  sofa  in  his  mother's  room. 
This  was  the  18th  of  the  Seventh  Month. 

On  the  morning  of  his  funeral  she  wrote  to  his  parents : — 

My  dearest  Foster  and  Chenda, 

I  deeply  feel  my  separation  from  you  this  day  ;  I  long  to 
bo  present  with  you  to  minister  to  your  consolation.  You 
have  my  earnest  prayers  that  the  best  help  may  be  with  you, 
sustaining,  healing,  comforting  you  ;  enabling  you  to  behold 
your  beloved  child  at  rest  in  Jesus  ;  consequently  that  death 
has  lost  its  sting,  and  the  grave  its  victory.  In  the  midst  of 
this  sore  trial,  may  grace,  mercy,  and  peace  continue  to  be 
with  you;  and  in  His  own  time,  may  the  Lord  grant  you 
"  beauty  for  ashes,  the  oil  of  joy  for  mourning,  and  the  gar- 
ment of  praise  for  the  spirit  of  heaviness." 

Your  tenderly  attached  and  sympathizing  mother, 

ELIZABETH  FRY. 

She  had  long  and  earnestly  desired  again  to  attend  the 
Meeting  for  worship,  at  Plaistow.  It  was  proposed  from  one 
First-day  to  another ;  but  the  difficult  process  of  dressing 
was  never  accomplished  till  after  eleven  o'clock,  the  hour 
when  the  meeting  assembled.  An  attempt  was  made  on  the 
28th  of  the  Seventh  Month,  but  it  failed.  Her  disappointment 
was  great,  and  the  hold  it  took  of  her  spirits  so  grievous, 
that  it  was  resolved  to  make  the  effort,  at  any  cost,  on  the 
following  First-day.  Her  son  William  undertook  to  carry 
out  her  wishes — drawn  by  himself  and  a  younger  son,  in  her 
wheeled  chair,  she  was  taken  to  the  Meeting,  a  few  minutes 
after  Friends  had  assembled,  followed  by  her  husband,  her 
children,"  and  attendants.  Her  son  William  seated  himself 
closely  by  her  side,  and  the  rest  near  her.  The  silence 
that  prevailed  was  singularly  solemn.  After  some  time,  in  a 
clear  voice  she  addressed  the  Meeting.  The  prominent  topic 
on  which  she  enlarged  was  "the  death  of  the  righteous;" 
she  expressed  the  deepest  thankfulness,  alluding  to  her  sister 
Elizabeth  Fry,  for  the  mercies  vouchsafed  to  "  one,  who 


1844.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  635 

having  laboured  long  amongst  them,  had  been  called  from 
time  to  eternity."  She  quoted  that  text,  "  Blessed  are  the 
dead  who  die  in  the  Lord,  for  they  rest  from  their  labours, 
and  their  works  do  follow  them."  She  dwelt  on  the  pur- 
poses of  affliction,  on  the  utter  weakness  and  infirmity  of  the 
flesh ;  she  tenderly  exhorted  the  young  also,  "  the  little 
children  amongst  us,"  referring  to  the  death  of  little  Gurney 
Reynolds.  She  urged  the  need  of  devotedness  of  heart  and 
steadiness  of  purpose ;  she  raised  a  song  of  praise  for  the 
eternal  hope  offered  to  the  Christian,  and  concluded  with 
those  words  in  Isaiah, — "  Thine  eyes  shall  see  the  King  in  his 
beauty,  they  shall  behold  the  land  that  is  very  far  off."  Prayer 
was  soon  afterwards  offered  by  her,  in  much  the  same  strain. 
He  joined  her  in  that  solemn  act,  who  never  was  to  worship 
with  her  again,  till,  as  we  reverently  trust,  before  the  throne 
of  God  and  the  Lamb,  they  should  unite  in  that  ineffable 
song  of  praise,  which  stays  not  day  nor  night,  for  ever  ! 

It  being  considered  desirable  that  she  should  have  the 
benefit  of  change  and  sea  air,  she  was  removed  to  Walmer  : 
whence  she  wrote  : — 

I  walk  in  a  low  valley;  still  I  believe  I  may  say  the  ever- 
lasting arm  is  underneath,  and  the  Lord  is  near  to  me.  I 
pass  through  deep  waters,  but  trust,  as  my  Lord  is  near  to 
me,  they  will  not  overflow  me.  I  need  all  your  prayers  in 
my  low  estate  ;  I  think  that  the  death  of  my  sister,  and  dear 
little  Gurney,  have  been  almost  too  much  for  me. 

Thus  was  this  servant  of  God  permitted  to  go  sorrowing 
on  her  way.  But  the  storm  had  not  blown  over ;  again 
the  thunder-clouds  rolled  up.  On  the  15th  of  the  Eighth 
Month,  the  lovely  little  Juliana,  the  second  daughter  of  her 
son  William,  one  of  the  sweetest  blossoms  that  could  glad- 
den the  heart  of  a  parent,  was  cut  off  after  thirty  hours'  in- 
explicable illness.  One  day,  however,  but  too  fully  sufficed 
to  unfold  the  mystery :  three  of  the  servants  at  Manor  House 
being  attacked  by  scarlet  fever.  But  all  preceding  sornws 


LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1844. 

seemed  light  in  comparison,  when  the  beloved  head  of  that 
house  was  himself  laid  low  by  the  awful  malady.  He  had 
written  on  the  death  of  his  aunt  shortly  before :  "  Yesterday, 
we  followed  the  remains  of  our  dear  aunt  to  the  grave.  We 
have  the  comfort  of  feeling  assured,  that  she  has  entered 
into  the  joy  of  her  Lord.  May  such  be  the  case  with  us  all ! 
— but  if  we  would  '  die  the  death  of  the  righteous,'  a*  the 
righteous  we  must  do  our  day's  work  in  the  day." 

All  stood  aghast  on  hearing  of  his  illness,  and  with  distress- 
ful suspense  awaited  the  accounts  from  hour  to  hour,  and 
day  to  day. 

"  He  surely  will  not  be  taken — so  fearful  an  overthrow,  so 
terrible  a  blow  cannot  be  coming  !  "  thus  spoke  hope  and  na- 
tural affection ;  but  there  was  a  response  from  the  inmost 
heart  of  those  who  had  watched  his  life  and  conversation, 
his  increased  religious  thoughtfulness,  the  simple  earnestness 
of  his  piety — and  this  response  whispered — "  is  not  the  Master 
calling  for  him  ?" 

The  children  were  removed  to  Plashet  Cottage,  vacant 
from  the  death  of  Elizabeth  Fry.  As  one  and  another 
showed  symptoms  of  fever,  they  were  carried  back  to  Ma- 
nor House.  The  servants  continued  to  sicken  successively, 
and  were  conveyed  to  a  ward  prepared  for  them  at  Guy's 
Hospital.  The  help  of  the  "  Nursing  Sisters  "  became  invalu- 
able, two  or  three  being  in  constant  attendance.  For  about 
a  week,  strong  hopes  were  entertained  that  the  most  precious 
life  would  be  spared  to  his  family,  but  such  a  result  was  not 
accordant  with  the  divine  will.  On  the  day  of  the  funeral 
of  his  little  Juliana,  he  had  asked  to  have  his  door  open,  that 
he  might  see  the  coffin  as  it  was  borne  by,  when,  to  the 
"  Nursing  Sister  "  by  his  side,  he  exclaimed,  "  I  shall  go  to 
her,  but  she  shall  never  return  to  me." 

The  fever  ran  its  course,  the  excitement  attending  it  came 
and  went,  but  there  was  no  recovering  ;  all  seemed  to  depend 
upon  his  powers  of  taking  nourishment.  He  was  calm,  even 
cheerful  j  there  appeared  to  be  little,  if  any  suffering ;  he 


1844.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FPY.  637 

perfectly  knew  his  danger,  he  said  that  he  "should  like  to 
recover,  if  it  were  right,"  but  he  was  "  quite  willing  to  leave 
it  in  God's  hand."  When  it  was  remarked  to  him,  how 
great  the  mercy  that  sustaining  patience  had  been  granted 
him,  he  held  up  his  hand  with  a  great  effort,  and  most  em- 
phatically replied,  "  God  never  has  forsaken  me,  no,  not  for  a 
moment,  and  He  never  will."  As  his  last  day  commenced 
upon  earth,  his  window  wide  open  by  the  bed-side,  and  the 
sweet  morning  air  blowing  freshly  in,  he  spoke  of  the  fair 
view  to  be  seen  from  it,  and  listened  with  interest,  as  the 
scene  was  described  to  him,  the  grey  tints  passing  from  the 
garden  and  terrace,  and  leaving  them  in  light  and  sunshine. 
He  spoke  of  his  place,  of  his  family,  of  his  many  blessings. 
Some  little  effort  exhausting  him,  a  stimulant  was  given  ;  as 
he  recovered,  with  a  bright  smile  he  exclaimed,  "  God  is 
so  good !"  and  they  were  his  last  words.  Never,  perhaps, 
was  a  dying  bed  more  peaceful — more  satisfactory  the  evi- 
dence that  God  was  his  refuge. 

"  Can  our  mother  hear  this,  and  live  ?"  was  the  natural 
exclamation  of  her  children.  None  need  have  feared  her 
enduring  the  blow,  for  He  who  sent  it  bestowed  His  Holy 
Spirit  with  it.  The  Christian's  faith  proved  stronger  than  the 
mother's  anguish.  She  wept  abundantly,  almost  unceasingly, 
but  she  dwelt  constantly  on  the  unseen  world,  and  on  those 
passages  in  the  Bible  which  spoke  of  the  happy  state  of  the 
righteous.  Her  natural  affections  and  interests  were  also,  in 
no  small  degree,  occupied  for  his  widow  and  children,  all 
his  little  ones  having  the  fever. 

The  medical  men  insisted  on  the  necessity  of  every  one 
quitting  the  house.  The  little  children  were  carried  back  to 
riashet  Cottage,  where  the  others  had  become  ill,  and  with 
the  exception  of  three  servants  in  one  corner  of  the  basement 
story,  the  house  was  deserted. 

Elizabeth  Fry  was  earnest  to  hear  everything,  and  to  have 
all  particulars  given  her.  The  illness  of  her  grandchildren 
occupied  much  of  her  thoughts ;  the  accounts  from  them 


638  LIPB    OP    BLIZABETH    FRY.  [1844. 

continued  to  fluctuate ;  but,  Second-day,  the  second  of  Ninth 
Month,  brought  a  more  unfavourable  report  of  Emma — the 
eldest.  On  the  following  morning  she  also  was  taken.  She 
was  a  religious  child,  and  no  doubt  rests  in  Jesus,  whom  she 
had  loved  and  desired  to  obey.  One  grave  contains  the 
mortal  remains  of  the  father  and  his  daughters. 

The  following  First-day  was  a  memorable  one  ;  the  two 
last  chapters  of  the  Revelation  were  read,  and  then  some 
memoranda  concerning  the  beloved  departed,  and  their 
closing  hours  upon  earth.  This  was  followed  by  solemn 
thrilling  prayer,  offered  by  their  mother  for  those  who 
remained,  and  for  herself  in  her  "  low  estate  :" — for  such  as 
had  fought  the  good  fight,  kept  the  faith,  and  obtained  the 
victory,  thanksgiving  and  praise  ! 

Her  own  journal,  written  before  the  last  blow  fell,  tells 
her  feelings  : — 

Walmer,  Eighth  Month,  29<A. — Sorrow  upon  sorrow ! 
Since  I  last  wrote,  we  have  lost  by  death,  first,  my  beloved 
sister,  Elizabeth  Fry ;  second,  Gurney  Reynolds,  our  sweet, 
good  grandson  ;  third,  Juliana  Fry,  my  dearest  William  and 
Julia's  second  daughter ;  and  fourth,  above  all,  our  most  be- 
loved son,  William  Storrs  Fry,  who  appeared  to  catch  the 
infection  of  his  little  girl,  and  died  on  Third- day,  of  scarlet 
fever,  the  27th  of  this  month.  A  loss  inexpressible — such  a 
son,  husband,  friend,  and  brother !  but  I  trust  that  he  is  for 
ever  at  rest  in  Jesus,  through  the  fulness  of  His  love  and 
grace.  The  trial  is  almost  inexpressible.  Oh  !  may  the 
Lord  sustain  us  in  this  time  of  deep  distress.  Oh,  dear 
Lord !  keep  thy  unworthy,  and  poor,  sick  servant,  in  this 
time  of  unutterable  trial ;  keep  me  sound  in  faith,  and  clear 
in  mind,  and  be  very  near  to  us  all — the  poor  widow  and 
children  in  this  time  of  deepest  distress,  and  grant  that  this 
awful  dispensation  may  be  blessed  to  our  souls.  Amen. 
This  tenderly  beloved  child  attended  me  to  Meeting  the  last 
First-day  I  was  at  home,  and  sat  by  me  on  the  women's  side. 


1844.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  C39 

Oh,  gracious  Lord  !  bless  and  sanctify  to  us  all,  this  afflicting 
trial,  and  cause  it  to  work  for  our  everlasting  good  ;  and  be 
very  near  to  the  poor  dear  widow  and  fatherless ;  and  may 
we  all  be  drawn  nearer  to  Thee  and  Thy  kingdom  cf  rest 
and  peace,  where  there  will  be  no  more  sin,  sickness,  death, 
and  sorrow. 

The  return  home  was  sorrowful  indeed;  the  void — the 
want  so  great,  of  a  member  of  the  circle,  who,  whilst  he  was 
the  tried  friend  and  faithful  counsellor,  was  wont  to  bring 
with  him  an  atmosphere  of  cheerfulness  and  love. 

Another  beloved  son,  William  Champion  Streatfield,  had 
taken  the  fever,  one  of  her  "  married  children,"  as  she  de- 
signated those,  not  by  birth  connected  with  her.  On  the 
day  of  her  return  from  Walmer,  all  hope  of  his  recovery  waa 
abandoned. 

It  is  possible  that  her  intense  anxiety,  whilst  the  life  of 
one  so  dear  hung  suspended  as  on  a  thread,  and  then  the 
gradual  deliverance  from  it,  in  some  degree,  tended  to  with- 
draw her  thoughts  from  the  afflictions  which  had  preceded 
it.  Her  mind  was  also  occupied  in  sympathy  with  her  be- 
reaved daughter-in-law. 

In  a  letter,  she  wrote  : — 

Upton,  Tenth  Month,  13th. — We  returned  from  Walmer 
on  the  17th  of  the  Ninth  Month.  We  first  went  to  my  dear 
brother  Gurney's,  at  Ham  House,  where  I  was  received  with 
every  kindness.  Our  beloved  daughter  Julia  was  here  when 
we  came  home,  and  stayed  a  few  days  afterwards.  She  was 
then  removed  to  her  sister's,  where  she  (I  may  thankfully 
say)  has  since  been  confined.  She  has  a  sweet  little  girl, 
and  is  doing  well.  So  we  see  that  the  Lord  gives,  and  the 
Lord  takes  away,  blessed  be  His  holy  name  ! 

About  six  weelcs  after  the  decease  of  her  son,  she  was 
again  favoured  with  strength  to  attend  the  Meeting  at  Plais- 
tow.  The  occasion  was  a  memorable  one.  She  was  led,  with 
great  power  and  solemnity,  to  address  the  different  classes 


640  LIPB    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1844. 

then  assembled ;  and  perhaps  few  could  remember  a  Meeting 
in  which  her  gift  in  the  ministry  had  been  exercised  with 
greater  weight  and  clearness,  or  with  a  more  remarkable  ap- 
propriateness to  the  varied  conditions  of  those  who  were 
present :  and  she  afterwards  supplicated  with  a  degree  of 
heavenly  power  and  unction  that  deeply  affected  many 
hearts.  From  this  time  she  continued  frequently  to  labour 
amongst  her  friends  in  the  ministry  of  the  word  ;  and  her 
bodily  strength  gradually  increased ;  so  that,  though  very 
feeble,  she  was  able,  with  some  assistance,  to  walk  a  little. 
To  her  sister  Elizabeth  Gurney,  who  had  been  from  home, 
she  wrote  : — 

Upton,  Tenth  Month,  21st. 
My  dearest  Elizabeth, 

1  must  thank  thee  before  thy  return  home  for  thy  sweet 
letter,  but  as  we  hope  soon  to  meet,  I  will  not  say  much.  I 
also  received  one  from  our  dear  sister  Eliza,  which  I  hope 
to  answer  in  a  day  or  two. 

I  cannot  give  a  very  bright  account  of  us,  as  I  feel  very 
poorly,  very  low  and  flat,  and  that  we  have  many  causes  of 
deep  sorrow — the  effect  of  William's  loss  is  hardly  to  be 
told.  But  I  desire  always  to  feel  that  our  God  is  able  to 
supply  our  needs,  through  the  riches  of  His  grace,  in  Christ 
Jesus  our  Lord. 

I  long  to  visit  Earlham,  but  I  fear  that  the  season  is  too 
far  advanced. 

May  you  all  feel  for,  and  remember  us,  in  our  very  low 
estate,  and  hoping  soon  to  see  your  party  home,  I  am  with 
dear  and  tender  love  to  all  of  you,  including  John  and  his 
sweet  wife, 

Thy  much  attached  sister, 

ELIZABETH  FRY. 

On  the  1st  of  the  Eleventh  Month  she  addressed  her  last 
written  communication  to  the  Committee  of  the  "  Ladies' 
British  Society." 


1844.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  641 

My  much-loved  Friends, 

Amidst  many  sorrows,  that  have  been  permitted  for  me  to 
pass  through,  and  bodily  suffering,  I  still  feel  a  deep  and 
lively  interest  in  the  cause  of  poor  prisoners  ;  and  earnest  is 
my  prayer  that  the  God  of  all  grace  may  be  very  near  to 
help  you  to  be  steadfast  in  the  important  Christian  work,  of 
seeking  to  win  the  poor  wanderers  to  return,  repent  and 
live ;  that  they  may  know  Christ  to  be  their  Saviour,  Re- 
deemer, and  hope  of  glory.  May  the  Holy  Spirit  of  God 
direct  your  steps,  strengthen  your  hearts,  and  enable  you 
and  me  to  glorify  our  Holy  Head,  in  doing  and  suffering, 
even  unto  the  end :  and  when  the  end  comes,  through  a 
Saviour's  love  and  merits,  may  we  be  received  into  glory  and 
everlasting  peace. 

In  Christian  love  and  fellowship, 
I  am  affectionately  your  friend, 
ELIZABETH  FRY. 

A  new  sorrow  awaited  her.  On  the  1st  of  Twelfth  Month, 
Catherine  Hankinson,  the  daughter  of  her  late  beloved  sister 
Louisa  Hoare,  died — a  few  days  after  her  infant  son. 
Though  young  in  years,  she  was  not  young  in  religious  ex- 
perience ;  devoted  in  heart  and  life,  she  was  apparently  ripe 
for  glory,  when  it  pleased  the  Lord  to  take  her. 

On  this  affecting  event,  Elizabeth  Fry  wrote : — 

Ekventh  Month,  2nd — The  accounts  of  to-day  are  deeply 
affecting — to  have  the  grave  once  more  (and  so  soon)  opened 
amongst  us.  What  can  we  say  but  that  "  it  is  the  Lord  ;" 
for  the  flesh  is  very  weak,  and  these  things  are  hard  to  our 
nature.  I  have  felt  the  pain  of  this  fresh  sorrow,  but  desire 
that  all  most  closely  concerned  may  find  Him  very  near  to 
them,  who  "  healeth  the  broken  in  heart,  and  bindeth  up  their 
wounds."  My  love  and  sympathy  to  all  most  nearly  inte- 
rested. We  have  our  poor  dear  Julia  and  her  children  here, 
and  very  touching  it  is  to  be  with  them.  I  am,  I  think, 
81 


642  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1844. 

just  now  very  poorly,  and  much  cast  down,  but  I  remember 
the  scriptural  words,  "  cast  down,  but  not  destroyed." 

This  "fresh  sorrow"  involved  much  personal  loss  and 
grief  to  one  of  her  daughters,  which  occasioned  her  writing 
to  her  two  days  later,  the  following  sweet  and  instructive 
lines : — 

A  few  lines  of  most  tender  love  to  thee  and  thine.  My 
spirit  is  so  much  broken  within  me,  and  bowed  down,  that  I 
cannot  write  much.  As  the  body  so  much  affects  the  mind, 
I  feel  the  more  sunk  under  our  trials  from  my  state  of  ill- 
ness ;  still  the  Lord  sustains  me  in  mercy  and  in  Icve.  I 
need  all  your  prayers  in  this  time  of  deep  affliction,  and 
you  need  mine.  May  our  Lord  sanctify  our  deep  afflictions 
to  us,  that  they  may  work  for  us  here,  the  peaceable  fruits 
of  righteousness,  and  hereafter  a  far  more  exceeding  and 
eternal  weight  of  glory. 

The  increasing  illness  of  her  brother-in-law,  Sir  T.  Fowell 
Buxton,  occupied  much  of  her  thoughts,  and  excited  her 
tenderest  feelings,  and  she  wrote  the  following  to  his  eldest 
daughter,  Priscilla  Johnston  : — 

Twelfth  Month,  1844. 
My  dearest  Priscilla, 

Thanks  for  thy  kindness  in  writing  to  me  at  this  time  of 
deep  sorrow ;  but  strange  to  say,  before  thy  note  came,  I  had 
been  so  much  with  you  in  spirit,  that  I  was  ready  to  believe 
thy  dearest  father  was  sinking.  I  have  felt  such  unity  with 
him  spiritually.  My  text  for  him,  in  my  low  state  this 
morning,  was,  "  The  sun  shall  be  no  more  thy  light  by  day ; 
neither  for  brightness  shall  the  moon  give  light  unto  thee  : 
but  the  Lord  shall  be  unto  thee  an  everlasting  light,  and  thy 
God  thy  glory!"  I  believe  this  will  be  his  most  blessed  ex- 
perience, whenever  our  Lord  takes  him  to  Himself.  I  write 
with  difficulty  and  in  haste,  but  my  heart  is  so  very  full 


1845.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  643 

towards  you,  that  I  must  express  myself.  My  dear  love  to 
every  one  of  your  tenderly  beloved  party,  particularly  thy 
mother.  I  feel  as  it  respects  thy  dearest  father,  whether  a 
member  of  the  Church  militant,'or  the  Church  triumphant, 
all  is  well — and  we  may,  through  all  our  tribulations,  return 
God  thanks,  who  giveth  us  the  victory,  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord  !  Most  near  and  tender  love  to  you  all. 

I  am, 
Thy  much  attached  aunt, 

E.  F. 

To  the  same,  on  the  last  day  of  the  year  : — 

Upton,  Twelfth  Month,  Zlst. 
My  dearest  Priscilla, 

Thy  mother's  and  thy  letters  have  been  truly  consoling. 
I  dwell  much  with  you  in  spirit,  and  I  feel  near  sympathy 
and  unity  with  your  beloved  invalid,  and  with  you  all.  How 
weighty  to  come  to  the  close  of  this  year,  wherein  so  much 
has  passed  !  "The  Lord  has  given,  and  the  Lord  has  taken 
away;"  but  through  all  we  may  say,  "blessed  be  the  name 
of  the  Lord!"  I  desire  your  prayers,  (for  my  estate  is  a 
very  low  one,)  for  myself,  for  my  husband  and  children  ;  as 
we  have  all  been  brought  very,  very  low  before  the  Lord. 
May  our  afflictions  be  sanctified  to  us  ;  not  leading  us  to  the 
world  for  consolation,  but  more  fully  to  cast  ourselves  on 
Him  who  died  for  us,  and  hath  loved  us  with  an  everlasting 
love.  I  write  sadly,  as  it  is  difficult  to  do  it,  my  hands  are 
so  much  affected  by  my  general  state  of  health.  With  thy 
dearest  father,  I  have  felt  in  life  no  common  religious  bond. 
How  sweet,  how  blessed  to  feel,  that  we  have  "  one  Lord, 
one  faith,  one  baptism." 

On  the  19th  of  Second  Month,  her  beloved  brother  Bux- 
ton  was  removed  by  death. 

Though  of  a  different  character,  another  trial  awaited  her. 
Her  son-in-law  William  Champion  Streatficld,  had  not  rallied 
from  the  effects  of  the  fever,  and  he  was  now  ordered,  with- 


644  I-  I  F  E    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1845. 

out  further  delay,  to  Madeira.  To  part  from  him,  and  espe- 
cially from  her  daughter,  was  very  grievous  to  her.  It  was 
not  merely  the  pain  and  sorrow  of  losing  the  society  of  this 
beloved  child,  which  she  felt  so  acutely,  but  the  peculiar  and 
protracted  nature  of  her  own  illness  had  rendered  her  ex- 
ceedingly dependent  on  those  who,  like  her  daughter  Hannah, 
had  so  largely  shared  in  the  attendance  upon  her.  Two  of 
their  children  remained  near  their  grandmother,  the  others 
with  their  parents  took  their  departure  on  the  16th  of  the 
First  Month.  She  committed  them  in  earnest  supplication, 
to  Him,  whom  winda  and  waves  obey,  and  with  whom  are 
the  issues  of  life ; — and  so  they  parted,  never  to  meet  again 
on  earth. 

There  was  one  thing  which  rested  upon  her  mind.  A 
strong  desire  again  to  visit  Norfolk,  and  stay  once  more  at 
Earlham.  With  great  difficulty  it  was  accomplished ;  her 
husband  and  daughter  Louisa  taking  her  there.  She  re- 
mained at  Earlham  many  weeks  ;  often  able  to  partake  of 
enjoyment,  and  highly  valuing  the  communion  with  her 
endeared  brother  Joseph  John  Gurney,  his  wife,  and  her 
beloved  sister  Catherine. 

She  went  frequently  to  Meeting  at  Norwich.  She  was 
drawn  up  the  Meeting,  seated  in  her  wheeled  chair,  and 
thence  ministered  with  extraordinary  life  and  power  to  those 
present ;  her  memory  in  using  Scripture,  in  no  degree  failing 
her,  or  her  power  in  applying  it. 

She  went  forward  to  Northrepps,  in  order  to  mingle  her 
sorrows  with  those  of  her  much  beloved  and  bereaved  sister 
Buxton,  and  other  mourners  there.  The  last  letter  she  ever 
addressed  to  her  husband  was  from  that  place,  dated  Fourth 
Month,  10th,  1845  :— 

My  dearest  Husband, 

I  am  anxious  to  express  to  thee  a  little  of  my  near  love, 
and  to  tell  thee  how  often  I  visit  thee  in  spirit,  and  how  very 
strong  are  my  desires  for  thy  present  and  thy  everlasting 


1845.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  645 

•welfare.  I  feel  for  thee  in  my  long  illness,  which  so  much 
disqualifies  me  from  being  all  I  desire  to  thee.  I  desire  that 
thou  mayst  turn  to  the  Lord  for  help  and  consolation  under 
thy  trials,  and  that,  whilst  not  depending  on  the  passing 
pleasures  and  enjoyments  of  this  world,  thou  mayst,  at  the 
same  time,  he  enabled  to  enjoy  our  many  remaining  blessings. 
I  also  desire  this  for  myself  in  "my  afflicted  state,  (for  I  do 
consider  such  a  state  of  health  a  heavy  affliction,)  indepen- 
dent of  all  other  trials.  I  very  earnestly  desire  for  myself, 
that  the  deep  tribulation  I  have  had  to  pass  through,  for  so 
long  a  time,  may  not  lead  into  temptation,  but  be  sanctified 
to  the  further  refinement  of  my  soul,  and  preparation  for 
eternal  rest,  joy,  and  glory.  May  we,  during  our  stay  in 
time,  be  more  and  more  sweetly  united  in  the  unity  of  the 
Spirit,  and  in  the  bond  of  peace 

After  she  left  Earlham,  she  went,  for  a  few  days,  to  Rune- 
ton,  as  it  was  thought  better  than  her  going  to  Lynn.  Her 
children  met  her,  and  stayed  with  her  there.  Before  she  left 
Norfolk,  she  heard  of  the  intended  marriage  of  her  youngest 
son.  The  prospect  of  this  connection  was  peculiarly  agree- 
able to  her.  Towards  this,  her  last-born  child,  her  motherly 
care  had  been  specially  extended.  She  was  affectionately 
attached  to  her  future  daughter-in-law,  and  her  being  a 
member  of  the  Society  of  Friends  afforded  her  no  small 
comfort.  It  was  indeed  a  boon  for  all  who  loved  her,  to  feel 
that  she  returned  home  under  a  ray  of  sunshine,  and  that 
the  brightness  of  this  event,  to  her  feelings,  was  permitted  a 
little  to  enlighten  the  last  few  months  of  her  home  life.  The 
various  arrangements  and  preparations  connected  with  it,  oc- 
cupied, without  wearying  her  mind,  and  her  attention  was, 
in  some  degree,  withdrawn  from  dwelling  upon  her  sorrows 
and  deprivations.  In  her  eldest  grand-daughter,  the  first- 
born of  her  eldest  son,  and  bearing  her  own  name,  she  had, 
during  this  spring,  a  helpful,  cheerful  companion,  who,  with 
the  elasticity  of  youth,  (which  is  so  pleasant  to  the  infirm 


646  LIFE    OF    BLIZABETH    FRY.  [1845. 

and  declining,)  cheered,  whilst  she  cared  for  her  grandmother. 
She  had  also  many  visitors,  who  came  to  her  in  their  abun- 
dant kindness;  for  the  hearts  of  all  who  loved  her,  were 
drawn  out  towards  her  in  tender  and  affectionate  interest, 
and  many  besides  her  own  relatives  and  connections,  with  the 
excellent  of  the  earth  of  various  ranks  and  denominations, 
would  drive  down  to  Upton  Lane,  and  sit  awhile  by  her  side, 
once  again  to  partake  of  the  sweetness  and  instruction  derived 
from  fellowship  with  her  heavenly  spirit. 

In  the  latter  party  of  Fifth  Month,  accompanied  by  her 
grand-daughter,  Elizabeth  Fry,  she  attended  two  sittings 
of  the  Women's  Yearly  Meeting  of  Friends  in  London :  a 
Friend  who  was  present  thus  narrates  this  occasion : — 

"  She  had  for  many  years,  been  regular  in  her  attendance  upon 
these  Meetings,  and  had  taken  a  lively  interest  in  their  proceedings. 
After  an  illness  so  critical,  and  still  in  a  state  of  such  great  infirmity, 
to  see  her  again  amongst  them,  was  scarcely  less  gratifying  to  many 
of  the  Friends  there,  than  it  was  interesting  to  herself.  On 
this  occasion  she  spoke  of  the  Saviour's  declaration,  'I  am  the 
vine, — ye  are  the  branches, — as  the  branch  cannot  bear  fruit  of 
itself,  except  it  abide  in  the  vine,  no  more  can  ye,  except  ye 
abide  in  me.'  She  alluded,  in  the  course  of  her  observations,  to 
the  day  that  is  *  fast  approaching  to  every  one ;'  but  urged  the 
blessed  truth  on  her  hearers,  that  those  '  who  loved,  served,  and 
obeyed  Him,  who  alone  is  worthy  of  all  glory  and  praise,  would  find 
death  deprived  of  its'  sting,  and  the  grave  of  its  victory.'  The 
second  Meeting  she  attended,  was  one  when  a  Friend,  Edwin  O.  Tre- 
gelles,  gave  a  relation  of  his  missionary  labours  in  the  West  Indies. 
This  recital  drew  from  her,  some  account  of  her  own  travels  on  the 
Continent.  She  afterwards  enlarged  upon  the  various  instruments, 
by  which  God  accomplishes  His  own  works  in  the  world.  She  re- 
ferred to  the  simile  of  the  different  living  stones,  which  compose  the 
temple  of  God.  She  addressed  those  of  every  age  who  heard  her, 
especially  such  as  might  be  compared  to' the  hidden  stones  of  the 
building.  She  encouraged  them  to  go  forward  faithfully  in  the  path 
of  righteousness  and  good  works ;  for,  though  they  might  not  be 
BO  much  seen  and  known,  as  the  more  polished  stones  in  the  orna- 


1845.]  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  647 

mental  parts  of  the  structure — though  perhaps  not  so  fitted  to 
shine,  or  to  occupy  a  conspicuous  situation — yet  were  their  places 
equally  ordered,  equally  important,  and  equally  under  the  direction 
aud  all-seeing  eye  of  the  Divine  Architect.  She  expressed  her 
doubts,  as  to  whether  she  should  again  be  permitted  to  meet  her 
beloved  Friends  in  that  place. — She  offered  prayer,  her  rich  full 
voice  filling  the  house;  and  concluded  with  that  sublime  passage, 
'Great  and  marvellous  are  Thy  works,  Lord  God  Almighty,  just 
and  true  are  Thy  ways,  thou  King  of  Saints.' " 

On  the  3rd  of  Sixth  Month,  Elizabeth  Fry  was  present 
at  the  Annual  Meeting  of  the  "Ladies  British  Society." 
To  spare  her  fatigue,  the  Committee  kindly  arranged  to 
hold  it  in  the  Friends'  Meeting-house  at  Plaistow,  instead 
of  the  one  at  Westminster,  which  hitherto  had  been  the 
place  chosen. 

At  the  Committee  of  the  Society,  held  on  the  3rd  of  the 
Eleventh  Month  following,  there  was  drawn  up  by  its  mem- 
bers, a  touching  memorial  of  the  feelings  they  entertained 
towards  her. 

In  it  they  speak  of  this  Meeting: — 

"Contrary  to  usual  custom,  the  place  of  Meeting  fixed  on  was 
not  in  London,  but  at  Plaistow  in  Essex  ;  and  the  large  number 
of  Friends  who  gathered  round  her  upon  that  occasion,  proved 
how  gladly  they  came  to  her,  when  ahe  could  no  longer  with  ease 
be  conveyed  to  them.  The  enfeebled  state  of  her  bodily  frame 
seemed  to  have  left  the  powers  of  her  mind  unshackled,  and  she 
took,  though  in  a  sitting  posture,  almost  her  usual  part,  in  re- 
peatedly addressing  the  Meeting.  She  urged,  with  increased 
pathos  and  affection,  the  objects  of  philanthropy  and  Christian 
benevolence,  with  which  her  life  had  been  identified.  After  the 
Meeting,  aud  at  her  own  desire,  several  members  of  the  Committee, 
and  other  Friends,  assembled  at  her  house.  They  were  welcomed 
by  her  with  the  greatest  benignity  aud  kindness,  and  in  her  inter- 
course with  them,  strong  were  the  indications  of  the  heavenly 
teaching,  through  which  her  subdued  and  Kanctificd  spirit  had 
Decn  called  to  pass.  Her  affectionate  salutation  in  parting,  uncon- 


648  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1845. 

sciously  closed,  in  regard  to  most  of  them,  the  intercourse  which 
they  delighted  to  hold  with  her,  but  which  can  no  more  be  renewed 
on  this  side  of  the  eternal  world." 

On  this  occasion  .when  Elizabeth  Fry  attended,  for  the 
last  time,  the  Meeting  of  the  "British.  Ladies'  Society," 
she  had  the  satisfaction  of  knowing  that  Newgate,  Bride- 
well, the  Millbank  Prison,  the  Giltspur  Street  Compter, 
White  Cross  Street  Prison,  Tothill  Fields  Prison,  and  Cold 
Bath  Fields  Prison,  were  all  in  a  state  of  comparative  order ; 
some  exceedingly  well  arranged,  and  the  female  convicts  in 
all,  more  or  less  visited  and  cared  for  by  members  of  the 
Committee.  The  prisons  generally  throughout  England 
much  improved,  and  in  the  greater  number,  ladies  encou- 
raged to  visit  the  female  convicts.  She  had,  unquestion- 
ably, accomplished  much,  and  above  all  had  the  joy  of 
knowing,  that  the  principles  which  she  had  so  long  asserted 
were  universally  recognized ; — that  the  object  of  penal  legis- 
lation is  not  revenge,  but  the  prevention  of  crime ;  in  the 
first  place,  by  affording  opportunity  of  reform  to  the  crimi- 
nal, and  in  the  second,  by  warning  others,  from  the  conse- 
quences of  its  commission.  But  there  was  one  thing  which 
she  was  not  permitted  to  see  accomplished, — a  refuge  for 
every  erring  and  repentant  sinner  of  her  own  sex ;  the  op- 
portunity of  reformation  for  all  who  desired  to  reform. 
There  are  those,  who  have  striven  to  connect  the  memory 
and  the  name  of  Elizabeth  Fry,  with  such  a  shelter  for  the 
outcasts  of  our  great  metropolis ; — and  they  have  had  the 
satisfaction  of  seeing  their  benevolent  effort,  to  a  considera- 
ble degree,  successful,  in  the  establishment  of  th'e  "  Elizabeth 
Fry  Refuge." 

On  the  26th  of  Sixth  Month,  her  youngest  son  was  mar 
ried.  She  described  the  Meeting  as  "  a  very  solemn  one, 
something  like  a  token  for  good ;"  and  spoke  of  the  con- 
nexion as  a  "ray  of  light  upon  a  dark  picture." 

There  was,  (she  wrote,)  through  all  the  real  brightness  of 


1845.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  649 

the  occasion,  a  deep  feeling  of  the  past ;  when  dear  Julia's 
children  joined  us  in  the  afternoon,  then  the  miss  of  dearest 
William  was  keenly  to  be  felt.  Champion  and  Hannah  too 
so  very  far  off,  that  there  was  much  to  cloud  over  the  scene, 
as  well  as  my  poor  state  of  health,  making  it  more  difficult 
to  estimate  my  many  present  blessings,  as  I  ought  and  desire 
to  do. 

As  the  summer  advanced,  sea  air  was  considered  desirable 
for  her,  and  after  some  difficulty  her  husband  obtained  a 
house  at  Ramsgate,  exactly  suited  to  her  necessities.  She 
went  for  a  week  to  see  it,  and  to  make  her  own  arrangements, 
accompanied  by  her  husband  and  her  daughter  Richenda. 
The  day  before  leaving  home,  she  wrote  to  her  brother  and 
sister  Gurney : — 

My  dearest  Samuel  and  Elizabeth, 

I  have  rather  longed  to  bid  you  farewell,  before  accom- 
panying my  husband  to  Ramsgate  for  a  few  days.  My  heart 
is  much  with  you,  and  our  dear  brother  Joseph  also,  just 
now.  I  particularly  feel  for  you  in  your  conflicts,  as  well  as 
your  joys.  Humiliations  we  must  expect  to  pass  through,  if 
we  are  to  drink  of  the  cup  our  Lord  drank  of,  and  be  bap- 
tised with  the  baptism  that  He  was  baptised  with  ;  therefore 
we  must  not  fear,  but  when  our  spirits  are  overwhelmed 
within  us,  we  must  look  to  the  "  rock  that  is  higher  than 
we,  as  a  shelter  from  the  storm,  a  shadow  from  the  heat, 
when  the  blast  of  the  terrible  one  is  as  a  storm  against  the 
wall." 

From  Ramsgate,  she  wrote,  for  the  last  time,  to  her  eldest 
daughter : — 

Rfimsgate,  Sereiith  Month,  5(h. 

I  much  desire  to  be  at  our  own  Meeting  on  First-day,  with 
dearest  Harry  and  Lucy,  and  hope  it  may  please  a  kind 
Providence  to  enable  me  to  do  so. 

I  have  felt  very  poorly  here  in  the  morning,  more  so  than 
usual,  which  has  been  rather  discouraging.     I  much  like  the 
82 


650  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    PRY.  [1845. 

house  as/ar  as  I  have  seen  it,  but  I  have  not  been  up  stairs. 
I  have  felt  unusually  low,  and  am  sensible  of  my  poor  con- 
dition, as  it  is  most  feelingly  brought  home  to  me  in  almost 
every  fresh  effort.  I  desire  in  heart  to  say,  "  Not  as  I  will, 
but  as  Thou  wilt."  I  think  none  of  my  friends  need  fear 
(as  I  believe  they  used  to  do,)  my  being  exalted  by  the  good 
opinion  of  my  fellow-mortals.  I  think  my  state  is  "  cast 
down,  but  not  destroyed."  May  my  Lord,  whom  I  have 
loved  and  sought  to  serve,  keep  me  alive  unto  Himself,  and 
may  He  clothe  me  with  His  armour  that  I  may  "  stand  in  the 
evil  day,  and  after  having  done  all,  stand." 

The  return  of  her  son  and  his  young  bride,  to  Upton 
Lane,  she  wished  to  make  as  cheerful,  as  under  existing  cir- 
cumstances, was  possible ;  and  in  celebration  of  the  event,  a 
large  family  party  was  arranged  for  the  garden.  She  asked 
the  company  of  her  brother  and  sister  from  Ham  House. 

My  dearest  Samuel  and  Elizabeth, 

In  true  love,  I  advise  your  joining  our  simple  evening 
party,  which  I  humbly  trust  will  be  conducted  on  Christian 
grounds.  The  fact  is,  in  my  low  estate,  I  felt  much  indis- 
posed for  a  large  dinner ;  I  then  wished  for  our  dear  little 
children  to  have  some  innocent  pleasure,  and  also  to  show 
some  mark  of  the  deep  interest  we  feel  in  the  bride  and 
bridegroom  here,  and  in  the  bride  and  bridegroom  elect. 
We  wish  to  do  it  in  the  most  simple  manner.  Remember, 
our  most  blessed  Master  attended  the  wedding  feast. 

She  received  her  guests  in  a  room,  opening  into  the  flower 
garden,  and  thence  was  wheeled  to  the  end  of  the  terrace ; 
a  very  large  family  circle  surrounded  her,  many  connexions 
and  others  of  her  friends.  It  was  a  beautiful  scene, — the 
last  social  family  meeting  at  which  she  presided ;  and 
although  infirm  and  broken  in  health,  she  looked  and  seemed 
herself. 

In  an  easy  chair,  under  the  large  marquee,  she  entered 
into  animated  discourse,  on  various  and  important  topics, 


1845.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  651 

with  the  group  around  her,  the  Chevalier  Bunsen,  Merle 
D'Aubignd,  Sir  Henry  Pelly,  Josiah  Forster,  her  brother 
Samuel  Gurney,  and  others  of  her  friends. 

During  the  week  following,  she  was  moved  to  the  house 
at  Ramsgate,  which  had  been  prepared  for  her.  A  spacious 
bed-chamber  adjoining  the  drawing-room,  with  pleasant  views 
of  the  sea,  in  which  she  delighted,  adding  to  her  hourly 
comfort  and  enjoyment.  She  found  objects  there  well  suited 
to  her  tastes.  She  distributed  tracts  when  she  drove  into  the 
country,  or  went  upon  the  Pier  in  a  Bath  chair.  Seafaring 
men  have  a  certain  openness  of  character,  which  renders 
them  more  easy  of  access  than  others.  They  would  gladly 
receive  her  little  offerings,  and  listen  to  her  remarks.  She 
was  also  anxious  to  ascertain  the  state  of  the  Coast  Guard 
Libraries — whether  they  required  renewing,  and  were  pro- 
perly used. 

Soon  after  her  settlement  at  Ramsgate,  the  family  of  her 
beloved  son  William  came  to  her,  and  remained  for  several 
weeks.  She  delighted  in  them  all ;  but  little  "Willie  Fry  was 
something  to  her,  almost  beyond  anything  left  in  the  world. 
He  read  the  Bible  to  her  every  morning  on  her  awakening. 
She  strove  to  impress  upon  his  young  mind  the  value  and 
beauty  of  the  Christian  life;  she  endeavoured  to  cultivate  in 
him  a  taste  for  natural  objects ;  she  encouraged  drawing  and 
similar  pursuits.  Partly  his  name — partly  his  character,  so 
much  resembling  his  father's  in  early  boyhood — excited  her 
tenderest  love. 

Her  prayer  for  her  daughter  and  her  children,  on  the 
evening  before  their  departure,  was  beautiful,  comprehen- 
sive, and  touching  ;  and  so  she  commended  them,  whom  she 
was  to  see  no  more  on  earth,  to  Him,  who  has  declared  Him- 
self to  be  "  a  Judge  for  the  widow,  and  a  Father  to  the 
fatherless."  Her  eldest  son,  and  her  daughter  Reynolds, 
with  their  families,  were  near  her  in  the  town  ;  and  the  daily 
intercourse  with  them,  was  also  a  source  of  much  comfort 
to  her. 


652  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRT.  [1845. 

In  a  hand  almost  illegible,  is  this  affecting  entry  in  her 
journal : 

Ramsgate,  Eighth  Month,  27th. — It  still  pleases  my 
Heavenly  Father  that  afflictions  should  abound  to  me  in  this 
tabernacle;  as  I  groan,  being  burthened.  Lord,  through 
the  fulness  of  Thy  love  and  pity,  and  unmerited  mercy,  be 
pleased  to  arise  for  my  help.  Bind  up  my  broken  heart,  heal 
my  wounded  spirit,  and  yet  enable  Thy  servant,  through  the 
power  of  Thy  own  Spirit,  in  every  thing  to  return  Thee 
thanks,  and  not  to  faint  in  the  day  of  trouble,  but  in  humility 
and  godly  fear,  to  show  forth  Thy  praise.  Keep  me  Thine 
own,  through  Thy  power  to  do  this,  and  pity  and  help  Thy 
poor  servant,  who  trusteth  in  Thee.  Be  very  near  to  our 
dear  son  and  daughter,  and  their  children  in  Madeira.  Be 
with  them,  and  all  near  to  us,  wherever  scattered  ;  and  grant 
that  Thy  peace  and  Thy  blessing  may  rest  upon  us  all. 
Amen  and  Amen. 

On  the  13th  of  Ninth  Month,  she  wrote  to  her  son  Joseph 
the  following  letter,  which  touchingly  indicates  the  increased 
feebleness  of  the  mortal  tabernacle  : — 

First-day,  Afternoon. 

I  am  rather  blanked  to  hear  that  we  cannot  see  thee  and 
thine  this  week.  I  rather  particularly  long  to  see  a  dear  son 
again,  as  it  feels  long  since  John  left  us,  and  you  are  sure 
your  beloved  wives  have  also  a  true  welcome.  I  feel  myself 
much  broken,  and  finding  that  neither  sea  air,  nor  any  other 
thing  appears  much  to  raise  me  up  ;  I  do  feel  while  here, 
(I  mean  in  this  life,)  a  great  desire  to  be  as  much  as  I  can 
with  those  most  dear  to  me.  My  heart  overflows  with  love, 
and  most  earnest  desire  for  your  present  and  everlasting 
welfare,  particularly  that  all  may  be  of  the  number  of  those 
who  "  die  in  the  Lord,"  who  "  rest  from  their  labours,  and 
whose  works  do  follow  them." 

The  conclusion  of  this  letter  can  scarcely  be  read  without 
much  mournful  and  tender  emotion  :  it  is  as  follows : — 


1845.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FEY.  653 

I  feel  certainly  very  poorly,  and  unless  there  be  some  re- 
vival more  than  I  now  feel,  I  think  that  you  cannot  expect 
that  you  will  very  long  have  a  mother  to  come  to ;  but  I 
know  the  Lord  can  raise  me  up  again,  and  I  should  not  be 
surprised  if  it  should  be  His  holy  will ;  but  into  His  hands 
I  commit  my  body,  soul,  and  spirit :  humbly  trusting  that 
He  will  be  my  Keeper,  Guide,  and  Guard,  even  unto  the 
end  ;  through  the  fulness  of  His  love,  pity,  mercy,  in  Christ 
our  Saviour !  I  know  this  is  a  low  letter,  may  it  lead  to 
your  sympathy,  love,  and  prayers.  I  think  I  am  low  from 
parting  with  Julia  and  the  children  ;  my  heart  is  so  bound 
to  you  all.  I  am  encouraged  by  remembering  the  13th  chap- 
ter of  the  First  of  Corinthians,  because  I  feel  that  I  may 
humbly  trust  that  that  love  or  charity  there  spoken  of,  lives 
in  my  heart,  and  is,  as  the  apostle  John  says  it  is,  a  mark  of 
having  "  passed  from  death  unto  life,  because  we  love  the 
brethren."  (1  John  iii.  14.) 

The  next  day  she  wrote  to  her  brother  Samuel  Gurney 
the  following  precious  note : — 

I  wag  very  low  when  I  wrote  to  thee  yesterday,  there- 
fore do  not  think  too  much  of  it.  There  is  ONE  only  who 
sees  in  secret,  who  knows  the  conflicts  I  have  to  pass 
through.  To  him  I  commit  my  body,  soul,  and  spirit ;  and 
He  only  knows  the  depth  of  my  love,  and  earnestness  of 
my  prayers,  for  you  all.  I  have  the  humble  trust  that  He 
will  be  my  Keeper,  even  unto  the  end ;  and  when  the  end 
comes,  through  the  fulness  of  His  love,  and  the  abundance 
of  His  merits,  I  shall  join  those  who,  after  having  passed 
"through  great  tribulation,"  are  for  ever  at  rest  in  Jesus, 
having  "  washed  their  robes,  and  made  them  white  in  the 
blood  of  the  Lamb." 

I  am,  in  nearest  love, 
Thy  grateful  and  tenderly  attached  sister, 

E.  F. 


l>54  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1845. 

Pr&y  remember  the  books  for  the  poor  old  women ;  we 
must  work  whilst  it  is  called  "to-day,"  however  low  the 
service  we  may  be  called  to  ;  I  desire  to  do  so  to  the  end, 
through  the  help  that  may  be  granted  me. 

On  the  16th  of  the  following  month,  she  again,  and  for 
the  last  time,  recorded  her  feelings  in  her  journal,  writing  in 
a  firmer  hand,  and  with  apparently  more  power. 

Ramsgate,  Ninth  Month,  16/A. — My  dearest  son  Harry 
was  married  to  dear  Lucy  Sheppard  last  Sixth  Month,  26th. 
We  had  a  very  solemn  Meeting ;  peace  appeared  to  rest  upon 
us  at  the  Meeting,  and  at  her  father's  house  afterwards.  My 
humble  trust  is,  that  the  blessing  of  the  Most  High  God  is 
in  this  connexion.  They  spent  some  very  satisfactory  time 
with  us  before  we  left  home.  May  grace,  mercy,  and  peace 
rest  upon  them,  and  neither  the  fatness  of  the  earth,  nor  the 
dew  of  heaven,  be  withheld  from  them,  through  the  fulness 
of  the  love,  mercy,  and  pity  of  our  God,  in  Christ  Jesus  our 
Lord. 

Our  dearest  niece  Elizabeth  was  also  married  the  latter 
end  of  the  Seventh  Month  to  my  dear  young  friend  Ernest 
Blinsen.  May  the  blessing  of  the  Most  High  God  also  rest 
upon  them,  naturally  and  spiritually.  I  pray  the  same  for 
them  as  for  Harry  and  Lucy. 

Here  the  journal  ends;  the  above  being  the  last  entry. 

Her  sister  Buxton,  with  her  daughter  Richenda,  visited 
her  on  the  17th  of  Ninth  Month.  They  found  her  mind 
clear  and  powerful  in  spiritual  things,  enlarging  upon  them 
with  comprehension  of  their  import ;  her  heart  entirely  in 
the  things  of  God,  choosing  him  and  his  service  solely,  with 
deep,  earnest,  constant  desires  (beyond  words  to  express)  for 
her  husband  and  children,  grandchildren,  brothers  and  sis- 
ters, nephews  and  nieces,  and  all  who  were  dear  to  her. 
After  her  sister  went,  her  youngest  son  and  his  bride  stayed 
a  few  days  with  her.  Other  members  of  the  family  camo 


1845.]  LIFE  OF  ELIZABETH   FRY.  655 

also  to  see  her.  Her  son  Joseph  and  his  wife  left  with  her 
one  of  their  children. 

The  14th  of  Ninth  Month,  with  a  large  party  of  her 
family,  she  attended  the  small  Meeting  at  Drapers,  about 
four  miles  from  Ramsgate.  On  this  occasion,  she  preached 
a  most  powerful  and  remarkable  sermon  on  the  nearness  of 
death,  and  the  necessity  of  immediate  repentance  and  prepa- 
ration ;  adding,  she  believed  to  some  of  that  small  congre- 
gation it  was  the  eleventh  hour  of  the  day.  So  it  proved  to 
more  than  one. 

Her  ministrations  were  much  of  the  same  character  on  the 
two  following  First-days.  Her  brother  and  sister  Gurney 
stayed  near  her  for  some  time,  and  several  ladies  from  Zwolle 
were  also  there ;  and  she  valued  the  company  of  her  kind 
friends,  Sir  John  and  Lady  Pirie,  who  were  then  at  Rams- 
gate. 

On  the  29th,  the  large  family  party  dispersed.  Tho  Meet- 
ing of  the  preceding  day  had  been  one  of  great  solemnity, 
and  though  little  imagined  at  the  time,  well  fittted  to  be  a 
parting  occasion  with  so  many  dear  to  her.  For  some  days 
she  was  left  with  only  her  husband  and  eldest  daughter,  but 
the  nursing  was  too  arduous  for  them  to  bear  alone,  and  it 
was  a  great  relief  to  them  when  her  daughter  Rachel  and  her 
family  arrived  from  Norfolk.  At  the  Pier  gate,  awaiting 
them  in  the  carriage,  they  found  their  mother.  Her  daugh- 
ter had  not  seen  her  since  her  visit  to  Runcton,  six  months 
before ;  a  great  change  was  perceptible.  There  was  a  look 
of  heaviness  and  weight ;  she  rarely  smiled,  but  on  the  other 
hand,  far  less  often  looked  distressed ;  she  walked  rather 
better,  her  appetite  was  improved,  and  her  nights  not  so  dis- 
turbed ;  but  there  was  a  new  symptom— occasionally  severe 
pain  in  the  head.  It  had  first  appeared  ten  days  before? 
and  had  often  been  acute,  but  then  was  better. 

The  next  First-day  she  went,  as  usual,  to  Meeting.  On 
tier  return,  she  asked  some  of  the  family,  who,  from  the  dis- 
tance, had  been  precluded  from  accompanying  her,  and  had 


656  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FEY.  [1845. 

attended  the  public  place  of  worship,  if  they  had  had  "  a 
comfortable  church;"  her  general  question  when  she  met 
any  of  her  children  under  similar  circumstances.  Then,  with- 
out waiting  for  any  inquiry  respecting  the  worship  in  which 
she  had  united,  she  said,  "  we  have  had  a  very  remarkable 
Meeting,  such  a  peculiarly  solemn  time  ;" — that  she  had  been 
so  impressed  by  the  "  need  of  working  whilst  it  was  day,  to 
be  ready  for  the  Master's  summons,  come  when  He  might." 
Here  the  subject  dropped,  but  she  reverted  to  it  more  than 
once  during  the  day.  Those  who  were  present  described  the 
occasion,  as  a  very  peculiar  and  favoured  one.  She  had 
urged  the  question,  "  Are  we  all  now  ready  ?  If  the  Master 
should  this  day  call  us,  is  the  work  completley  finished  ? 
Have  we  anything  left  to  do  ?"  Solemnly,  almost  awfully, 
reiterating  the  question,  "  Are  we  prepared  ?" 

Her  habits,  at  this  time,  were  apparently  thoje  of  former 
days.  She  was  a  good  deal  occupied  by  writing.  She 
arranged  and  sorted  Bibles,  Testaments,  and  Tracts.  She 
had  applied  to  the  Bible  Society  for  a  grant  of  foreign 
Bibles  and  Testaments,  which  was  liberally  acceded  to,  and 
in  the  distribution  of  which,  amongst  the  sailors  of  different 
nations  in  the  harbour,  she  took  great  interest. 

On  Third-day,  the  8th  of  Tenth  Month,  when  driving  out, 
her  lively  concern  for  the  good  of  others  appeared,  if  pos- 
sible, greater  than  ever.  Her  natural  character,  acquired 
habit,  and  Christian  duty,  alike  combined  to  strengthen  this, 
but  the  judgment  and  power  to  direct  it  had,  in  measure, 
passed  away. 

On  Fourth-day,  the  9th,  she  was  grievously  distressed  by 
her  little  grandson  Oswald  encountering  a  fearful  accident, 
one  knee  slipping  through  the  area  bars  of  a  window.  It  was 
at  least  ten  minutes  before  help  could  be  obtained  to  extricate 
him.  The  child's  cries,  and  her  knowledge  of  the  fact, 
though  at  the  time  borne  apparently  well,  occasioned  a 
severe  return  of  pain  in  the  head  at  night,  and  she  was  very 
unwell  the  next  morning,  though  through  the  day  she  had 


1845.]  LIFE   OP  ELIZABETH   FRY.  057 

appeared  but  little  the  worse  for  it,  and  was  perfectly  self- 
possessed  and  judicious  in  giving  directions.  During  the 
same  morning,  her  friend  Mary  Fell  paid  her  husband  and 
herself  a  religious  visit ;  she  derived  much  comfort  from  it, 
as  she  had  done,  from  the  society  of  this  long  known  and 
valued  Friend,  for  some  weeks  preceding 

Generally,  whilst  she  dressed,  one  of  her  daughters  sat 
with  their  mother.  On  one  occasion,  the  Bible  was  opened 
at  the  text,  "  Beloved,  think  it  not  strange  concerning  the 
fiery  trial  which  is  to  try  you,  as  though  some  strange  thing 
happened  unto  you."  She  entered,  with  lively  interest,  into 
the  subject,  and  mentioned  other  passages  of  somewhat  simi- 
lar import  which  were  sought  for  and  read.  The  participa- 
tion of  the  disciple  in  the  sufferings  of  his  Lord,  was  dwelt 
upon.  She  expressed  herself  with  peculiar  power,  in  a  man- 
ner startling  to  the  hearer.  She  had,  through  all  her  con- 
flicts, seemed  to  cling  to  something,  like  the  hope,  almost 
expectation,  that  the  western  sky  would  be  bright,  that  her 
sun  would  not  set  behind  clouds ;  but  now  there  was  no 
allusion  to  any  idea  of  the  kind.  The  high  privilege  of 
suffering  as  a  member  of  Christ,  was  the  point  she  most 
dwelt  upon.  The  world,  even  in  the  renewed,  regenerated 
aspect  which  it  bears  to  the  Christian,  appeared  to  have  lost 
nearly  all  attraction. 

There  was  another  striking  change.  Her  vigorous  under- 
standing and  great  capacity  had  given  her  the  habit  of  con- 
trol— she  had  been  accustomed  to  power.  During  her  long 
illness,  this  continued  more  or  less  to  show  itself,  and  it  was 
not  always  easy  to  distinguish,  how  far  her  opinions  about 
her  own  treatment  and  capabilites  were-wcll  founded  or  not. 
This  feature  of  her  character  had  disappeared.  The  will 
seemed  wholly  gone,  the  inclination  even  strongly  to  desiro 
anything,  had  passed  away  ;  and  she  was  content  to  leave 
things,  whether  little  or  great,  to  the  direction  of  others.  It 
was  inexpressibly  affecting  to  see  her  look  of  meek  submis 
sion,  to  hear  her  plr  intive  answer,  "  Just  as  you  like." 
83 


658  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FEY."  [1845. 

During  one  morning  of  acute  suffering,  the  remark  was 
made  to  her,  How  marvellous  it  was  that  she  nevor  seemed 
impatient  to  depart,  believing,  as  there  was  good  ground  to 
do,  that  she  had  been  fitted  for  the  great  change.  She  ex- 
pressed her  entire  willingness  to  stay  the  Lord's  time  ;  that 
whilst  there  was  any  work  for  her  to  do,  she  wished  to  live, 
but  beyond  that,  she  expressed  not  the  smallest  desire  for  life. 
She  added,  that  she  had  come  to  an  entire  belief,  than  any 
remaining  dread  would  be  taken  away  from  her,  when  the 
time  came,  or  that  in  tender  mercy  to  her  timid  nature,  she 
should  be  permitted  to  pass  unconsciously  through  the  dark 
valley. 

On  Fifth-day,  she  wrote  to  her  youngest  daughter  : 

Ramsgate,  Tenth  Month,  9th. 
My  dearest  Louisa, 

I  think  that  a  visit  from  thee  and  thy  dear  husband  would 
be  highly  acceptable  to  us  ;  but  much  as  I  should  like  to  see 
the  dear  boys,  I  fear  that  the  house  is  now  too  full,  to  take  in 
more  than  we  should  have  with  Raymond  and  thyself. 

I  feel  so  shaken  and  so  broken  down,  that  I  wish  to  see  as 
much  of  my  beloved  children  as  I  can ;  my  love  is  very 
strong,  and  my  flesh  is  very  weak,  I  think  increasingly  so. 
I  wish  dear  Christiana  Golder  to  know  how  much  I  miss  her. 
Pray  tell  Gurney  and  Sophia  also  how  much  I  should  like  to 
see  them ;  indeed,  my  heart  is  drawn  very  near  to  you  all, 
and  deep  are  my  desires  for  your  present,  and  above  all,  your 

everlasting  welfare 

Thy  tenderly  attached  mother, 

ELIZABETH  FRY. 

1. ati.il   W.t<   -lk-.«    :.  u.U.I..:;..-VM£i<. 

On  Sixth-day  morning,  Tenth  Month,  10th,  though  very 
.acguid  and  feeling  uncomfortable,  she  addressed  this  note  to 
a  friend  to  whom  she  had  been  long  attached,  not  in  religious 
profession  with  herself,  with  some  texts  for  a  young  person, 
•who  desired  to  possess  her  autograph. 


1845.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  659 

Ramsgate,  10M. 
My  dear  Friend, 

I  have  copied  thee,  these  valuable  texts,  that  prove  salva- 
tion is  open  to  all,  through  a  Saviour's  love  and  merits,  who 
believe  in  Him,  who  no  longer  live  unto  themselves,  but  unto 
Him  who  died  for  them  and  rose  again.  May  we  all  be  of 
this  blessed  number.  I  should  much  like  a  nice  long  letter 
from  thee.  With  true  desires  for  thy  present  and  ever- 
lasting welfare, 

I  remain, 
Thy  affectionate  friend, 

ELIZABETH  FRY. 

"  We  trust  in  the  living  God,  who  is  the  Saviour  of  all 
men,  specially  of  those  that  believe."  1  Tim.  iv.  10.  "  And 
I,  if  I  be  lifted  up  from  the  earth,  will  draw  all  men  unto 
me."  John  xii.  32.  "  Therefore  as  by  the  offence  of  one 
judgment  came  upon  all  men  to  condemnation  ;  even  so  by 
the  righteousness  of  one,  the  free  gift  came  upon  all  men 
unto  justification  of  life."  Romans  v.  18. 

After  concluding  this  note,  she  brought  out  some  sheets  of 
Scripture  selections,  which  she  was  preparing,  with  a  view 
to  eventually  publishing  another  Text-Book,  on  the  same 
plan  as  her  former  one.  With  this  devout  employment,  was 
finished  her  work  below.  Strikingly,  though  unconsciously, 
did  it  exemplify  the  spirit  and  tenor  of  the  life  that  was 
about  to  close  ! — fervently  aspiring  heavenward,  and  attract- 
ing others  thither.  A  few  hours  succeeded — of  suffering  to 
the  mortal  frame — the  soul  being  stedfastly  anchored  by 
faith  upon  the  rock — and  then  her  sun  sank  beneath  its 
earthly  horizon — setting  in  brightness,  to  rise  on  an  eternally 
unclouded  sphere  ! 

It  was  remarked  that  she  had,  in  selecting  the  texts,  used 
no  spectacles  ;  and  she  said  that  her  sight  had  become  much 
better.  This  was  a  new  and  serious  symptom. 

Later  in  the  morning,  whilst  driving  out,  she  was  strangely 


660  LIFE   OP   ELIZABETH   PRY.  [1845. 

oppressed — scarcely  noticed  the  lovely  views  of  the  sea, 
which  she  generally  so  much  enjoyed  ;  but  the  most  unusual 
thing  was,  that  when  her  grandchildren  were  eager  to  give 
some  tracts,  she  did  not  observe  their  request,  till  repeated 
two  or  three  times.  On  passing  some  open  country,  where  a 
ruddy  farmer's  boy  was  keeping  cows,  he  told  the  children 
that  he  was  there  all  day,  that  he  had  nothing  to  do,  and 
should  very  much  like  to  have  "some  reading."  Their 
grandmother  took  no  notice,  nor  until  her  tract-bag  was  put 
into  her  hand,  did  she  attempt  to  choose  any  for  him ;  then 
she  did  it  with  a  slow  and  absent  air,  as  if  her  thoughts  were 
far  away.  That  evening  she  was  heavy  and  oppressed,  and 
complained  of  suffering  from  the  light. 

These  many  circumstances,  each  trifling  in  itself,  brought 
and  weighed  together,  gave  such  cause  for  uneasiness,  that 
her  husband  and  daughters  resolved  the  next  day  to  send  to 
Broadstairs,  to  learn  if  Dr.  Paris  were  still  there,  for  they 
had  heard  of  his  being  at  that  place  a  short  time  before,  and 
they  wished  to  call  in  his  assistance ;  but  he  was  gone. 

On  Seventh-day  morning  the  llth,  she  awakened,  suffering 
severely  in  her  head.  One  of  her  grandchildren  went  to  her 
at  half-past  seven  o'clock :  he  read  the  27th  Psalm,  which 
she  asked  for.  Half  an  hour  later,  another  went  to  her.  She 
in  no  way  referred  to  his  brother  having  been  there  before, 
but  again  asked  for  the  27th  Psalm.  Her  dressing  was  very 
slowly  accomplished;  she  leaned  her  head  upon  her  hand, 
and  spoke  very  little.  A  text  or  two  out  of  "  Great  and  pre- 
cious promises,"  (that  excellent  selection  for  the  sick  cham- 
ber,) seemed  all  that  she  could  then  receive.  She  had  not 
asked  for  one  of  the  children  while  she  was  dressing,  the 
only  morning  she  had  omitted  to  do  so,  nor  did  she  remark 
their  absence.  She  had  invited  the  children  of  Lady  Arthur 
Lennox,  to  take  their  dinner  at  her  luncheon.  It  was  pro- 
posed that  their  coming  should  be  deferred  to  another  day, 
as  she  was  so  uncomfortable,  but  this  she  would  not  allow ; 
when  they  came  she  was  scarcely  able  to  notice  them,  and  sat 


1845.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  661 

looking  very  ill,  leaning  her  head  upon  her  hand.  Afterwards 
Lady  Lennox,  and  her  sister,  came  for  the  children ;  she  re- 
ceived them  in  the  drawing-room  and  conversed  a  little,  but 
they  thought  her  unwell,  and  made  a  very  short  visit.  They 
had  been  frequently  with  her  before,  they  had  paid  her 
much  kind  attention,  and  their  society  had  been  very  pleasant 
to  her. 

About  five  o'clock,  whilst  her  husband  and  daughters  were 
consulting  as  to  the  best  method  in  which  medical  help  might 
be  obtained,  her  bell  rang.  She  was  in  her  own  room,  ac- 
cording to  her  usual  custom  in  the  afternoon,  and  had  been 
lying  on  the  sofa.  She  had  nearly  fallen,  in  being  led  from 
it  to  her  chair  by  the  fire,  and  help  was  wanted,  to  accom- 
plish the  movement.  After  being  placed  in  her  chair,  she 
leaned  on  one  side,  as  if  unable  to  sit  upright.  Her  attendant, 
who  was  accustomed  to  her,  was  alarmed  and  uneasy,  but  she 
was  wheeled  into  the  drawing-room,  where  it  was  proposed 
that  she  should  dine,  being  nearer  to  her  chamber  than  the 
dining-room.  After  her  dinner,  on  attempting  to  move  to  the 
sofa,  she  twice  sank  to  the  ground,  though  entirely  assisted 
by  two  persons.  With  extreme  difficulty  she  was  removed 
to  her  bed,  where  she  lay  with  a  calm,  almost  a  torpid  ex- 
pression of  countenance.  She  was  quite  willing  to  see  a 
medical  man,  and  answered  his  questions  correctly.  The  at- 
tendance of  one  so  kind  and  skilful  was  a  great  comfort,  but 
her  worn-out  constitution  forbade  stringent  remedies,  so  that 
little  was  attempted  either  by  him  or  the  physician,  who  re- 
peatedly saw  her  in  the  course  of  the  following  day. 

She  soon  became  more  alarmingly  affected,  and  her  limbs 
appeared  wholly  powerless.  About  six  o'clock  on  First-day 
morning  the  12th,  she  said  to  her  maid,  "Oh  !  Mary,  dear 
Mary,  I  am  very  ill !"  "  I  know  it,  dearest  Ma'am,  I  know 
it,"  replied  the  servant.  The  precious  invalid  soon  added, 
'"''Pray  for  me — It  is  a  strife — but  I  am  safe."  She  con- 
tinued to  speak,  but  indistinctly,  at  intervals,  and  frequently 
dosed.  About  nine  o'clock  on  First-day  morning,  the  12th, 


662  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1845. 

one  of  her  daughters  sitting  on  the  bed-side  had  open 
in  her  hand  that  passage  in  Isaiah,  "I,  the  Lord  thy  God, 
•will  hold  thy  right  hand,  saying  unto  thee,  fear  not,  thou 
•worm  Jacob,  and  ye  men  of  Israel,  I  will  help  thee  saith  the 
Lord,  and  thy  Redeemer,  the  Holy  One  of  Israel."  Just 
then,  her  mother  roused  a  little,  and,  in  a  slow,  distinct  voice, 
uttered  these  words,  "  Oh  !  my  dear  Lord,  help  and  keep  thy 
servant  /"  This  was  her  last  expression  on  earth :  she  never 
attempted  to  articulate  again.  A  response  was  given  by 
reading  to  her  the  above  most  applicable  portion  of  Scrip- 
ture ;  one  bright  look  of  recognition  passed  over  her  features, 
but  it  was  gone  as  rapidly,  and  never  returned.  From  this 
time,  she  became  unconscious — no  sound  disturbed  her — no 
light  affected  her — the  voice  of  tenderness  was  unheeded — 
a  veil  was  between  her  and  all  things  here  below,  to  be  raised 
no  more. 

Difficulty  of  breathing  ensued — and  suddenly,  about  four 
o'clock  in  the  morning  of  Second-day,  the  immortal  spirit, 
which  had  so  long  reflected  the  bright  rays  of  that  heaven- 
inspired  love  which  dwelt  within  it,  passed  away  from  the 
vicissitudes  and  sorrows  of  this  earthly  scene,  to  its  eternal 
home  in  that  "  city,  which  hath  no  need  of  the  sun,  neither 
of  the  moon  to  shine  in  it ;  for  the  glory  of  God  doth  lighten 
it,  and  the  Lamb  is  the  light  thereof." 

Much  affectionate  respect  for  her  memory,  and  sorrow  for 
the  termination  of  her  eminently  useful  life,  were  evinced  by 
the  inhabitants  of  Ramsgate.  A  public  manifestation  of  this 
feeling  was  proposed,  but,  from  circumstances,  necessarily 
declined  by  the  family. 

The  funeral  took  place  on  the  following  Second-day,  at 
Barking :  and,  after  the  mortal  remains  were  committed  to 
the  dust,  a  large  number  of  persons,  who,  in  deep  though 
silent  sorrow,  witnessed  the  affecting  scene,  assembled  in  a 
spacious  tent  erected  for  the  occasion  ;  in  which  a  solemn 
Meeting  was  held.  The  sacred  record  was,  with  peculiar 
imprcssiveness,  brought  to  remembrance,  "  And  I  heard  a 


1845.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  663 

voice  from  heaven,  saying  unto  me,  Write,  Blessed  are  the 
dead  which  die  in  the  Lord  from  henceforth  :  yea,  saith  the 
Spirit ;  that  they  may  rest  from  their  labours ;  and  their 
•works  do  follow  them."  And  from  the  grave,  a  call  seemed 
to  be  emphatically  uttered  to  survivors,  "  Work  ye  also  while 
it  is  day." 

She,  who  had  fulfilled  her  stewardship,  and  was  gone  to 
receive  her  eternal  recompense,  had  bequeathed  to  each  in- 
dividual, and  to  all  coming  generations,  a  legacy  involving  a 
high  responsibility.  She  had  left  behind  her  an  example  of 
unfaltering  dedication  in  running  with  patience  the  Christian 
race ;  her  pious  exhortations  and  her  appeals  of  mercy  had 
been  uttered  in  the  presence  of  thousands  ;  their  echo  had 
passed  on,  and  the  sound  had  fallen  on  the  ear  of  many 
thousands  more  ;  awakening  in  the  bosom  a  holy  sympathy 
with  human  suffering — animating  to  a  heaven-directed  effort 
to  stem  the  overflowing  current  of  sin  and  misery,  and  to  point 
transgressors  to  an  Almighty  Deliverer,  who  "  was  manifested 
that  He  might  destroy  the  works  of  the  Devil." 

Few  will  be  found,  especially  among  women,  whose  vocation 
may,  in  all  points,  resemble  that  of  Elizabeth  Fry.  Perhaps, 
having  been  the  appointed  pioneer  in  the  arduous  path  which 
unfolded  to  her  view  a  vast  variety  of  objects,  each  claiming 
the  devotion  of  her  Christian  benevolence  and  the  energies 
of  her  powerful  mind,  her  name  may,  in  some  respects,  stand 
alone  in  the  record  of  that  peculiar  mission  to  which  she  was 
ordained.  But  she  had,  from  amongst  the  different  classes 
and  denominations  of  the  religious  world,  many  helpers  in 
her  works  of  faith  and  labours  of  love.  More  than  a  few  of 
these  have,  like  herself,  been  removed  from  their  sphere  of 
service  on  earth,  to  receive,  as  we  may  reverently  trust,  the 
hundred-fold  of  everlasting  life.  Others  yet  remain — pur- 
suing under  the  influence  of  the  same  divine  charity,  the 
hallowed  endeavour  to  reform  the  criminal,  and  to  succour 
the  indigent. 


664  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FRY.  [1845. 

But  may  it  be  remembered,  that  every  one,  without  dis- 
tinction of  sex  or  name,  has  an  individual  course  of  duty, 
•which  calls  for  the  occupation  of  time,  of  talent,  or  of  sub- 
stance ;  and  none  can  foresee  how  effectually  a  faithful 
obedience  to  this  call,  may  tend  to  promote  the  glory  of  God, 
and  the  moral  elevation  of  the  human  family.  How  incon- 
ceivable to  the  mind  of  Elizabeth  Gurney,  when,  as  a  young 
and  delicate  girl,  she  first  followed  the  impulse  of  a  mysteri- 
ous guidance  that  led  her  to  visit  the  wretched  inmates  of  a 
Bridewell,  would  have  been  the  wondrous  career  which  the 
unseen  future  was  gradually  to  open  before  her ;  but,  with 
her  characteristic  simplicity,  she  yielded  her  heart  to  the 
gentle  touches  of  that  heavenly  Power,  which,  in  a  manner 
incomprehensible  to  herself,  imbued  her  with  a  willing  com- 
miseration toward  the  abject  and  the  outcast;  and,  whilst  she 
sought  to  mitigate  the  distresses  and  to  remedy  the  evils  that, 
to  a  large  extent,  became  continually  more  and  more  de- 
veloped, as  she  pressed  onward  in  her  track  of  mercy,  she 
was  compelled  to  admit  the  conviction  that  a  most  serious 
responsibility  rested  on  her  own  sex,  in  the  efforts  so  greatly 
needed — yet  by  many  still  untried,  but  within  the  reach  of 
most — to  labour  for  the  relief  of  the  destitute,  for  the  in- 
struction of  the  ignorant,  or  for  the  reformation  of  the 
criminal. 

She  found,  by  experience,  that  devoted  women — influenced 
by  divine  love — might  become  powerfully  instrumental  to 
check  and  to  control  the  torrent  of  moral  evil.  By  her  own 
example  she  illustrated  all  that  she  enforced.  And  to  a 
heart  so  acutely  sensitive,  so  striving  after  a  state  of  purity, 
so  glowing  with  heavenly  affections,  the  trial  must  have  been 
great,  indeed,  of  being  thus  brought  into  sympathy  and  fre- 
quent association  with  such  accumulated  forms  of  corruption 
and  woe.  Yet  when — during  a  period  of  severe  indisposition 
and  near  the  close  of  her  earthly  pilgrimage — a  near  relative 
remarked  to  her  that  she  had  "made  great  sacrifices,"  she 


1845.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  665 

could  reply,  "  I  cannot  call  them  sacrifices — it  was  my 
delight."  Her  delight  it  truly  was  to  labour  for  the  conver- 
sion and  rescue  of  perishing  sinners :  and  no  toil  was  too 
arduous  to  be  encountered,  no  suffering  too  great  to  be 
endured,  to  promote  the  welfare  of  immortal  beings. 

Like  her  great  precursor,  Howard,  she  "dived  into  the 
depths  of  dungeons,"  to  bring  into  their  gloom  a  ray  of  life, 
of  love  and  hope.  His  monument  records  that,  "  in  the  un- 
remitting exercise  of  Christian  charity,  he  trod  an  open,  but 
unfrequented  path  to  immortality."  He  travelled  alone  from 
land  to  land,  pleading — but  too  often  in  vain — the  cause  of  the 
agonized  criminal,  or  the  tortured  victim  of  vengeance  and 
tyranny ;  fearlessly  encountering  privation,  danger,  and  diffi- 
culty. But  such,  happily,  was  not  the  experience  of  Elizabeth 
Fry.  Her  compassionate  appeals  on  behalf  of  wretched  con- 
victs, groaning  in  fetters  and  laden  with  chains,  were  listened 
to  with  respect,  and  were  generally  successful.  It  was  her  lot 
also,  to  be  often  cheered  by  evidences,  frequently  little  an- 
ticipated, that  in  different  districts  and  countries,  there  were 
some  bright  Christians  of  both  sexes,  who  were  willing  to 
devote  themselves,  with  self-sacrificing  zeal,  to  the  reform  of 
the  vicious,  and  to  the  relief  of  the  sick  and  the  destitute : 
and  the  mind  that  recognizes,  in  each  individual  of  the 
human  race,  a  brother  or  a  sister  for  whom  the  Redeemer 
"gave  Himself,  a  ransom"  transcending  all  price,  will  con- 
template, with  grateful  joy,  the  widening  diffusion  of  active 
beneficence,  and  the  kindred  spirits  that  were  prepared  to 
catch,  from  the  same  holy  altar,  some  portion  of  that  flame 
of  divine  compassion,  that  glowed  within  the  bosom  of 
Elizabeth  Fry. 

Whenever  a  claim  on  her  commiseration — whether  small 
or  great — was  presented  to  her  mind,  with  an  impression 
that  it  required  her  attention,  she  shrunk  not  from  the 
kindly  impulse ;  and  whatever  obstacles  might  impede  the 
accomplishment  of  her  purpose,  she  steadily  pursued  it ;  and 
84 


666  LIFE    OP    ELIZABETH    FEY.  [1845. 

rarely  did  she  ultimately  fail :  for  she  matured  her  schemes 
of  philanthropy  with  a  skill  and  discretion  that  almost  in- 
variably ensured  success. 

In  every  exigency  she  was  sustained  by  hope — it  was  a 
principle  so  strong  within  her,  that  it  animated  and  strength- 
ened her  in  the  execution  of  the  most  difficult  designs.  In 
her  estimation  of  individual  character,  it  sometimes  induced 
anticipations  that  were  not  fully  realized :  it  was  on  this 
point  that  the  defect  in  her  own  was  developed.  On  all  the 
works  of  man,  and  on  every  phase  of  human  existence,  there 
is  the  stamp  of  imperfection  :  with  her  it  sprang  from  an 
excess  of  that  charity  which  "  hopeth  all  things." 

But  as  this  faithful  servant  of  God  sought,  with  untiring 
energy,  to  complete  her  appointed  task,  she  was  often  re- 
minded of  the  truth,  that,  in  the  world's  great  harvest-field, 
where  so  much  soil  remains  uncultivated,  and  from  which  so 
little  of  the  heavenly  fruit  has  yet  been  gathered,  the  la- 
bourers were  comparatively  few.  Her  own  service  was 
often  toilsome,  and  the  spiritual  atmosphere  in  which  she 
performed  it  most  ungenial ;  yet  cheerfully  she  fulfilled  the 
duty  of  each  passing  hour :  and  the  mental  region  into 
which,  by  this  diligent  occupation  with  the  gifts  bestowed  on 
her,  she  was  so  remarkably  introduced,  was  not  always 
sterile  from  the  blight  of  sin,  not  always  tainted  by  the  en- 
venomed breath  of  the  serpent.  She  was  at  times  permitted 
joyfully  to  "  walk  in  the  light  of  the  Lord,"  tasting  the 
sweets  of  religious  fellowship  with  minds  assimilated  to  her 
own ;  beholding  in  the  vineyard  of  the  good  husbandman, 
many  a  precious  plant,  flourishing  beneath  the  rays  of  His 
love,  and  bringing  forth  fruit  in  its  season,  to  the  praise  of 
His  grace. 

How  is  her  memory  embalmed  with  the  fragrance  of  holy 
veneration,  in  the  bosom  jof  many  a  sincere  disciple  of  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ ! — rand  most  appropriately  has  the  bene- 
diction been  so  often  and  so  variously  rehearsed,  in  reference 


1845.]  LIFE    OF    ELIZABETH    FRY.  667 

to  her  abundant  labours  in  His  sacred  cause,  "  Come,  ye 
blessed  of  my  Father,  inherit  the  kingdom  prepared  for  you 
from  the  foundation  of  the  world :  for  I  was  an  hungered, 
and  ye  gave  me  meat ;  I  was  thirsty,  and  ye  gave  me  drink ; 
I  was  a  stranger,  and  ye  took  me  in  ;  naked,  and  ye  clothed 
me ;  I  was  sick,  and  ye  visited  me ;  I  was  in  prison,  and  ye 
came  unto  me."  Matt.  xxv.  34,  35,  36. 


THE    END. 


A  A      000006338    8 


